Bahrain Victorious and MERIDA Conclude Partnership After Nine Successful Seasons

# Bahrain Victorious and MERIDA End Successful Nine-Year Partnership

Team Bahrain Victorious has officially announced the conclusion of its partnership with MERIDA after a remarkable nine seasons together. This collaboration began with the team’s inception in 2017, when it was known as Team Bahrain Merida. Throughout these years, MERIDA played a vital role as a co-title sponsor, helping to define the team’s vision, technical direction, and competitive identity.

The partnership has been marked by significant achievements, including historic wins such as Vincenzo Nibali’s prestigious victories at Il Lombardia in 2017 and Milan-San Remo in 2018—each heralding the Bahrain Merida colors on cycling’s grandest stages. As noted by the cycling community, Nibali’s performance in Il Lombardia was a defining moment for the team, illustrated by the quote, “We are excited to see what the future holds, but the foundation has been built on collaboration and success.”

Over the years, Bahrain Victorious and MERIDA celebrated numerous highlights together, including Sonny Colbrelli’s memorable Paris-Roubaix victory and Matej Mohorič’s iconic San Remo descent equipped with a dropper seat post. Mohorič’s recent triumph at the Gravel World Championship in 2023 exemplifies the innovative spirit that both entities fostered.

MERIDA’s support extended beyond sponsorship, contributing to advancements that shaped WorldTour racing. Key innovations included the incorporation of tubeless tires and pioneering aerodynamic equipment, which echoed the team’s commitment to progressing cycling technology. The application of the dropper seat post during the famous Milan-San Remo race was instrumental in influencing racing dynamics.

Milan Eržen, Managing Director of Team Bahrain Victorious, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards MERIDA. “MERIDA are more than just partners—they are lifelong friends. They have been part of the family from the very beginning and played an integral role in all of our success. We say goodbye to a great partner who we will be racing against in the near future and who will no doubt continue to find success on the road. From all of us at Bahrain Victorious, it is a huge pleasure and a massive thanks to them.”

As both entities move forward, the legacy of their collaboration remains a significant chapter in the history of professional cycling, serving as a testament to the incredible outcomes achievable through partnership and innovation.