Bahrain Victorious and Tiberi aim to surpass Giro d'Italia performance in Vuelta a España: "We're going for the podium"

The team’s confidence in Tiberi is well-founded. The young rider already secured a fifth-place finish in this year’s Giro d’Italia. Team director Neil Stephens outlined their ambitions for Tiberi in a press release. "Our goal is to get Tiberi on the podium. He finished fifth in the Giro, and we’re aiming for even better in the Vuelta; we want to push him into the top three." Bahrain Victorious is also eyeing stage wins. "We have a few other riders who will be aiming for victories," Stephens added. Among those expected to contend for stage wins are Jack Haig and Caruso, with Caruso having already achieved this in the past.

There are some doubts surrounding Caruso, as he recently crashed hard in the Tour of Burgos. "Damiano suffered a fairly serious injury last week in the Vuelta a Burgos. He seems to have recovered quite well with the help of our medical team. He’s very important to us, not just because of his physical talent, but also as a mentor and our road captain. The guys really look up to and respect Damiano," Stephens emphasized Caruso’s value. Haig also plays a crucial role. "Jack is once again a key man in mountain support. A few years ago, he was on the final podium, so he knows how to get there, and hopefully, he can help Antonio, especially in the high mountains."

Tiberi, the team leader, shared his thoughts: "This will be my third Vuelta and my first as the leader. After this year’s Giro d’Italia, the expectations are high, but it’s also the first time I’m doing two Grand Tours in the same year," he noted. "After a solid high-altitude training camp and the Vuelta a Burgos, which helped me get back into race rhythm, I feel my form is improving. This year’s Vuelta will definitely be one of the toughest in recent years due to the significant elevation changes, but if the conditions are right, I’ll be ready to take advantage."

"The team’s support will be crucial, and I’m confident they’re ready and eager to give it their all," Tiberi expressed his faith in his teammates. "I hope to achieve results similar to or even better than the Giro; my effort, and that of the entire team, will be all-in," he concluded. The team’s lineup is completed by Polish time trial specialist Kamil Gradek, Rainer Kepplinger, Fran Miholjevic, Torstein Træen, and Jasha Sütterlin.

Antonio Tiberi
Damiano Caruso
Jack Haig
Rainer Kepplinger
Fran Miholjevic
Torstein Træen
Jasha Sütterlin
Kamil Gradek