Bahrain Victorious heads to the Vuelta a Burgos aiming for a stage victory and a top ten finish in the general classification.

The five day race takes place from the 4th until the 8th of August. It begins with a punchy finish in Burgos before moving into the mountains, with uphill finishes in Pineda de la Sierra and Lagunas de Neila among the key moments of the week. Stage 3 also features the Puerto del Escudo shortly before the finish at the Balneario de Corconte, while the fourth stage gives the faster riders their best opportunity.

The team arrives in good spirits after a strong weekend in the Basque Country, with Pello Bilbao finishing fifth at the Clasica San Sebastian and Pau Miquel taking second at the Circuito de Getxo.

Bilbao will act as road captain while continuing to build his condition towards the Vuelta a España. Afonso Eulálio will look for opportunities throughout the race, while Miquel gives the team another option on the punchier days and from breakaways. Žak Eržen will be the team’s sprint option, with Oliver Stockwell and Max van der Meulen providing support. Mathijs Paasschens completes the lineup in a role across all five stages.

Pello Bilbao said:

“I am going to Burgos with an open mind and without putting too much pressure on myself. I have realised that there is no point in making too many plans, because sometimes you suddenly find yourself in a race with good legs and good sensations. I am nearing the end of my career, I am enjoying racing, and I am happy to have found a good level of form. I am very motivated for every race that is still ahead of me.

I want to finish my career in the best possible way. Winning a stage here in Burgos would be great, and doing it at the Vuelta would be even better. We have a team capable of fighting for a result on every stage, so we will go day by day and try to make the most of every opportunity. That could also lead us to a good result in the general classification.

I was coming from a difficult period, but I have suddenly found good legs again. We will stay calm and continue progressing towards the Vuelta.”

Sports Director Franco Pellizotti added:

“We come into the Vuelta a Burgos in a good mood after a strong weekend, with Pello’s result in San Sebastián and Pau coming very close to victory in Getxo. The riders are quite fresh after a long period without racing and time at altitude.

It is a demanding race, with different types of stages and opportunities throughout the week. We have a balanced team, with Žak for the sprint opportunities, while Afonso and Pau can be competitive on the harder days. The rest of the team gives us the support and flexibility we need across the five stages.

Pello is improving day by day and showing that his condition is getting better. It is difficult to set a precise target for the general classification because the level here is very high, but our ambitions are also high. I am positive about these five stages. We have four riders here preparing for the Vuelta, and I believe we can have a very good race.”