Santiago Buitrago sealed the KOM jersey in Granada as Bahrain Victorious concluded a successful La Vuelta a España following three weeks of attacking racing from Monaco to Granada.
Buitrago fought for the mountains classification throughout the race while also finishing on the podium three times. The Colombian placed third on Stage 12 before taking second on Stages 14 and 19, ultimately carrying the KOM jersey to the finish.
The team’s Vuelta also included a breakthrough victory for Jakob Omrzel. Making his Grand Tour debut at just 20 years old, the Slovenian won Stage 12 at Calar Alto and completed the race seventh in the final general classification. Pau Miquel added another podium with second place on Stage 2.
All eight Bahrain Victorious riders reached Granada, having fought for results from the opening stage until the final day.
Buitrago said: “I’m incredibly happy to have reached Granada and proud of this team. We started with eight riders and finished with all eight, and that says a lot. We fought from the first stage until the last and achieved all our objectives, and even more.
To have Jakob, at just 20 years old, finish inside the top ten is something special. It is not easy at all. Personally, winning the KOM jersey also fills me with pride. I fought hard for it throughout a very tough Vuelta.
It was also special to share Pello’s final Vuelta. I have spent seven years alongside him and learned so much. More than a great rider, he is a great person. I leave with very good memories: a top ten finish, the KOM jersey and a team that was always looking to make the race. I’m extremely proud of what we achieved.”
The race also marked Pello Bilbao’s final appearance at La Vuelta ahead of his retirement at the end of the 2026 season. As the team’s road captain, Bilbao supported its younger riders and contributed to the team’s performances throughout the race.
Sports Director Franco Pellizotti praised the commitment shown by the riders and staff across the three weeks.
He said: “Now that La Vuelta is over, it is time to enjoy what we achieved. I’m extremely proud of this team and these riders. The results came from the commitment they showed every day.
We started with eight riders and finished in Granada with all eight. That is also thanks to the entire staff. The heat made this a very difficult race, and everyone made an enormous effort to look after the riders and keep them cool before and during the stages.
For 21 days, the riders fought like lions. They contested the sprints, joined the breakaways, fought for the KOM jersey and raced for the general classification. We finished with Jakob seventh overall in his first Grand Tour, his stage victory, the KOM jersey with Santi and several podium finishes.
I also want to recognise the riders who did the less visible work: staying close to our GC riders, collecting bottles and closing gaps. This is how we want to race. Attacking and trying to achieve something every day. What we accomplished belongs to every rider and every member of staff.”
