Bahrain Victorious targets GC success at Tour de Romandie
# Bahrain Victorious Eyes General Classification Glory at Tour de Romandie
Bahrain Victorious approaches the 2026 Tour de Romandie with a well-balanced and determined team, setting its sights on success in the general classification during one of the last significant stage races ahead of the Grand Tours. The squad will be spearheaded by the promising talents of Antonio Tiberi and Lenny Martinez, who are backed by seasoned climbers and versatile racers including Damiano Caruso, Attila Valter, Robert Stannard, Kamil Gradek, and Vlad Van Mechelen.
This year’s course features a substantial challenge, emphasizing climbing across six stages in western Switzerland. Spanning over 850 kilometers with an elevation gain surpassing 14,000 meters, the race will place less focus on time trials than in previous editions, instead highlighting the importance of consistent climbing and aggressive racing.
The race kicks off with a brief 3.2-kilometer prologue in Villars-sur-Glâne, allowing minimal gaps but providing an early chance for establishing positioning in the general classification. As the route progresses, Stage 1 introduces the first serious challenge, with a steep ascent to Ovronnaz (8.7 km at 10%) poised to create early GC divisions.
Stages 2 and 3 present a deceptive mix of relentless rolling terrain and repeated circuits, responsible for accumulating fatigue, possibly leading to rash moves. Despite appearing less decisive, these stages are critical for determining positioning and maintaining team control.
The competition escalates as the race enters the mountains. Stage 4 to Charmey, featuring the demanding Jaunpass ascent, signals the initial true test for climbers, paving the way towards the final, crucial stage that culminates in a summit finish at Leysin—likely where the overall victor will emerge in the absence of a concluding time trial.
Bahrain Victorious enters the event with a rich history in Romandie. In 2025, Lenny Martinez displayed stellar form, securing second place overall while showcasing his ability to withstand the rigors of short, punchy climbs alongside high-altitude finishes. Antonio Tiberi, carving out a name for himself among emerging GC talents in multi-stage races, complements this duo. The inclusion of Damiano Caruso brings invaluable stage race experience, while Attila Valter adds climbing prowess suitable for the mountainous challenges.
Limited time trial kilometers mean the 2026 event is set to favor aggressive climbers and strategically sound teams adept at navigating complex race situations. Bahrain Victorious is well-prepared to rise to this formidable task.
**Roman Kreuziger, Sports Director, shared his thoughts:**
“We’re ready for the prologue and five exciting stages. The race starts with a short and intense effort, where the key will be to limit any time loss for the GC riders and position ourselves well from the beginning. Stage 1 already brings an important test. It’s a rolling stage with several laps around the finish, featuring a steep and demanding climb, so it’s definitely one for the general classification. We’ll see how Lenny and Antonio want to approach it.
Stages 2 and 3 could offer opportunities for the breakaway, depending on how the peloton controls the race. These are the kind of days where positioning and race dynamics will be crucial. Stage 4 is, in my view, the queen stage. It starts with two very intense climbs and includes another key ascent closer to the finish. This is where we can expect significant GC differences. The final stage is also demanding, with rolling terrain leading into a long, steady climb to the finish. It’s another opportunity for the GC to change.
Looking at the competition, it’s a very strong field. Tadej Pogačar is here, alongside a powerful Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe line-up with Primož Roglič, Florian Lipowitz, and Daniel Felipe Martínez. INEOS Grenadiers also come with strong ambitions, including Oscar Onley, so it will be a very competitive race.
With only 15 teams at the start, the peloton will be smaller than usual, which can also influence how the race develops. From our side, we decided not to race Lenny Martinez at Liège – Bastogne – Liège to allow him to recover fully, as Romandie is one of his main targets. He will share leadership with Antonio Tiberi, and we expect a strong performance from both. Damiano Caruso will be our road captain. He comes from a solid training camp and is well-prepared to guide the team through the race. In support, Kamil Gradek, Robert Stannard, Attila Valter, and Vlad Van Mechelen all have clear roles, to support the leaders and deliver them in the key moments. Robert has recovered well after his injury at Paris-Nice, Kamil comes in with good condition after Paris-Roubaix, and Attila will play an important role in the climbs. Vlad will support the team throughout the week and could have opportunities on the non-GC stages.”
As the countdown to the Tour de Romandie begins, Bahrain Victorious stands ready to make a significant impact, showcasing their talents and strategic prowess on this demanding course.
