Team Bahrain Victorious is proud to announce a strategic shift in its focus towards developing young cycling talents and supporting them into WorldTour champions. This commitment to nurturing the future stars of cycling is demonstrated by the addition of four exceptional young riders to our ranks and through our development system: Alberto Bruttomesso, Finlay Pickering, Zak Erzen, and Kasper Borremans.

Alberto Bruttomesso, a 19-year-old Italian rider, who moved to Bahrain Victorious’ under 23 development team, CTF, last year, is set to make his step up to the WorldTour ranks with Bahrain Victorious in 2024. Joining him is Finlay Pickering, a promising 20-year-old British talent who won the General Classification of the Tour Alsace in 2022 and claimed the KOM jersey this year at Alpes Isère Tour.

Like Bruttomesso, Bahrain Victorious have signed two young riders to work through the ranks in the CTF before joining the WorldTour. Zak Erzen, a 17-year-old Slovenian, who won the 2022 Men’s Junior World Championship in the elimination race, is set to transition from Adria to CTF in 2024. Following this, a deal is already in place for Zak to officially join Team Bahrain Victorious in 2025.

Lastly, Kasper Borremans, the current Finnish men’s junior ITT national champion, has shown incredible potential and has a clear path through the team’s ecosystem of development teams ahead of the WorldTour. Kasper will spend his final year in 2024 at our Junior academy Cannibal B Victorious, followed by a two year stint at the U23 development team CTF, before making his anticipated debut with Team Bahrain Victorious in 2027.

Managing Director Milan Erzen commented on the new signings and the strategic direction of Team Bahrain Victorious:

“We are thrilled to announce Bahrain Victorious’ new vision and signings, which strongly emphasizes youth and talent development. Through our collaboration with Cycling Team Friuli for U23, Cannibal Victorious U19, and the creation of Bahrain Cycling Academy, we are creating a comprehensive ecosystem that empowers young riders to thrive and reach their full potential. We are also committed to supporting young ex-cyclists who may not have made it to the WorldTour by providing opportunities for them to contribute to the sport in staff roles. By embracing the talent and passion of young individuals, we aim to shape a brighter future for cycling.” – Milan Erzen, Managing Director of Bahrain Victorious”

Quotes from the Riders:

Alberto Bruttomesso: “The goal was to learn as much as possible before the debut in the WorldTour.” the 19-year-old Italian sprinter explains. “Joining the CTF Victorious, I had the opportunity to experience a race calendar very similar to the professional riders one, with well-planned racing and training days, including training camps and a more targeted training program. Throughout the 2023 season, I rode several international events, like the just-ended Tour of Szeklerland in Romania, where I was close to winning on stage 1, with a second place at the sprint and a solid team performance fighting for the overall.

Moreover, during this second year in U23, I participated in races where I could already compete with Elite riders. Maybe I got fewer victories than my first year in this category, but I feel I grew physically and mentally. I improved in climbing as I rode more demanding races, which are vital to be ready to face a WorldTour event, also psychologically. I’m grateful to Cycling Team Friuli for this tremendous experience I’m having with them to prepare for the WorldTour debut.”

Finlay Pickering: “There are huge opportunities available for me with Bahrain Victorious. I am keen to start working with the team and becoming the best cyclist I can be whilst helping the team become an even greater force within the World Tour. I’m just so excited!”

Zak Erzen: “Firstly, I’m really grateful for the development and support I received from Adria Mobil, which has shaped me into the rider and person I am today. I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to further develop with CTF now and then work hard to learn as much as possible before stepping up to WorldTour with TBV.”

Kasper Borremans: “I just love cycling, and it has always been my dream to become a cyclist on the highest level one day, and hopefully, it will come true in a few years. Bahrain Victorious is focussing on young riders, and I’m really happy to get the opportunity to make my way up the ranks in this sport with the help of one of the best teams in the peloton.”