BAHRAIN VICTORIOUS SET FOR VOLTA A CATALUNYA

# Bahrain Victorious Prepares for the Challenge of Volta a Catalunya

As Bahrain Victorious enters its next stage racing block at the prestigious **Volta a Catalunya**, the team gears up for a challenging seven-day WorldTour race. With a route covering just over 1,000 kilometers and over 20,000 meters of climbing, the 2026 edition promises to be grueling, particularly as the general classification often hinges on the final days.

While the opening stages may not be primarily decisive, they are not without their challenges. As noted by Sports Director Xavier Florencio, “The first three stages may not look too difficult on paper, but it will be important to stay attentive and not lose time with our leaders.” All eyes will soon turn to the mountains, where three consecutive summit finishes are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the overall standings.

The final stage in Barcelona, taking place on the Montjuïc circuit, is traditionally unpredictable. “As always, the race can still change with the circuit and the steep climb there,” Florencio cautioned.

Bahrain Victorious will be led by co-leaders **Santiago Buitrago** and **Lenny Martinez**, both of whom are reportedly in excellent condition and aiming for strong performances in the general classification. Supporting them in the mountains will be Afonso Eulálio and Jakob Omrzel, who is set to make his WorldTour debut. During the earlier stages, team members Matevž Govekar, Nikias Arndt, and Rainer Kepplinger will focus on safeguarding the leaders and maintaining the team’s optimal positioning.

Reflecting on the importance of the upcoming race, Lenny Martinez shared, “I really like Volta a Catalunya. It’s close to Andorra, so it always feels a bit special for me.” He expressed enthusiasm about sharing leadership responsibilities with Buitrago and the strength of the team. “I feel motivated coming into the race. The goal is to do a good general classification, like in Paris–Nice, and also to go for a stage win, which is an important objective for me,” Martinez commented.

With strong leadership and a well-rounded team, Bahrain Victorious is poised to navigate the demanding terrain of the Volta a Catalunya and make a significant impact on the race.