Bahrain Victorious Opens Italian Campaign at Trofeo Laigueglia
# Bahrain Victorious Kicks Off Italian Racing Block at Trofeo Laigueglia
Bahrain Victorious is set to launch its traditional Italian racing block as it heads to Italy for the prestigious Trofeo Laigueglia (1.Pro). This marks a significant return for the team, as they have not participated in the event since 2021. The 63rd edition of this iconic one-day race will see a new starting point in Albenga, with the traditional finish line in Laigueglia.
The 192 km course introduces exciting features, including the celebrated Cipressa climb and a scenic 12.6 km stretch along the Cycling Riviera — Ciclovia Riviera dei Fiori. As with previous editions, the pivotal moments are anticipated to occur in the final circuit, where riders will face the Colla Micheri climb multiple times before concluding on Corso Badarò.
Bahrain Victorious has set high ambitions for this year’s event, aiming for a top-three finish and ideally securing two spots in the top ten. Team leaders Antonio Tiberi and Santiago Buitrago are looking to etch their names on the renowned “muretto” in Laigueglia, a wall that celebrates past race winners.
Sports Director Gorazd Štangelj shared insights on their strategy, stating:
“We’re happy to return to racing on the roads of Liguria. We have two strong leaders in Antonio Tiberi, who started the season very well, showing excellent condition and delivering a strong performance in the UAE, and Santiago Buitrago, who returns to competition after racing in Australia and the Colombian National Championships. The rest of the team will focus on supporting them with one clear mission: to protect our leaders and bring them safely to the final circuit. Despite some changes to the course, the race should explode in the closing phase, where the key climb will be repeated three times. We know that to win Laigueglia, you either need a strong solo move or the speed to win from a reduced group.”
Additionally, this will be the first Trofeo Laigueglia for all other Bahrain Victorious riders. Several team members are in excellent form following a competitive weekend in France, where Roman Ermakov, Rainer Kepplinger, and young Development Team rider Kasper Borremans took part in multiple races. Oliver Stockwell will also join the team, stepping in for Jakob Omrzel during Sunday’s events.
As Bahrain Victorious prepares for this challenging race, fans and cycling enthusiasts alike are eager to see how the team will fare in this year’s Trofeo Laigueglia.
