With the 2025 Giro d’Italia entering its final week, Bahrain Victorious are delighted to announce the contract extension of Damiano Caruso, our road captain here in Italy.

The 37 year old currently lies 6th on GC after 15 stages, and has been Antonio Tiberi’s ever-reliable right hand man throughout this – & last – year’s ‘Corsa Rosa’.

With 80 podiums in a 20 year career already, including at the Giro in 2021, Caruso has been an integral part of the Bahrain roster since 2019, and will now ride with us for an 8th year.

“For me this was the easiest decision to make,” the Sicilian commented yesterday. “To continue with this team, where I have had the most beautiful years of my career … I wouldn’t wish to be riding anywhere else.”

Damiano is such an integral part of the team, it is difficult to imagine Bahrain Victorious without his experience, influence and good humour.

Technical Director Vladimir Miholjevič reflected that, “Damiano has shown his quality again and again – including now on the Italian roads. We are extremely happy that he will remain our rider for the 2026 season. Both sides were extremely keen to make this happen despite his age; maybe even more because of that experience and what he brings as a result!

He still has the character and enthusiasm of a young rider, but is able to transmit so much know-how to the newer guys, and we would like him to help us bring on the younger generation that is coming through’

Managing Director Milan Eržen agrees:

“Damiano’s commitment to the team is unbelievable and he is an amazing example of what you can achieve with hard work. This extra year as a rider means he can continue what he has been doing for us since 2019 – passing on so much knowledge to the young guys”

Miholjevič continues, “As a rider and as a person Damiano deserves our full trust and his place here with us. We love having him here, and we look forward to this relationship continuing.”

A stage winner at the Vuelta a España & Giro d’Italia, and with a total of nearly 30 victories over a glittering career, Damiano Caruso is one of the most respected cyclists in the peloton. We could not be happier that he will remain with us, continuing to bring his talent and personality to everything he does.

“The management, staff, and my teammates have all been so happy for me when they heard this news, that I’m even more motivated now to repay the faith they have all shown in me, even at my age!

I’m super happy that this relationship is going to continue, and I am looking forward to riding in Bahrain colours for another year.”