CYCLING – SANTIAGO Buitrago capped off a brilliant week for Team Bahrain Victorious in the South of Spain yesterday, successfully defending the leader’s jersey on the 104-2.kilometre final stage of the Volta a La Comunitat Valenciana to claim the overall victory.
The Colombian finished 18 seconds ahead of Joao Almeida of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, with Bahrain Victorious teammate Pello Bilbao securing third place in the general classification (GC) 39 seconds out.
With two riders on the final podium after a hectic fifth stage, Bahrain Victorious concluded the five-day race on a high note, with two stage wins, two second-place finishes, the points classification, and the best team classification.
“It’s a fantastic feeling,” said Buitrago, who won the points standings to take the orange jersey. “I was already super happy after yesterday’s result and to wear the leader’s jersey this morning, but you never know until the very end.
“I have to give a huge thank you to my teammates. Today could have been tricky, but they worked exceptionally well to keep everything under control. I share this GC victory with them. Starting the season with such a result is incredible.”
Bahrain Victorious’ sports director Roman Kreuziger echoed the sentiment. “We couldn’t have asked for more,” he said. “We set out to win a stage and took two. We aimed for a top-three GC finish, and we secured two spots on the podium – including the overall victory. Plus, we won the team classification. It’s something to be very proud of.”
The final stage, starting in Alfafar – a town heavily affected by the recent DANA floods – was suited to sprinters and was won by Jonathan Milan of Lidl-Trek. However, the technical course and strong winds added an extra challenge for the peloton.
“We had to stay alert, but the team executed the plan perfectly, just as they did throughout the week,” Kreuziger added. “The riders showed great form, and this victory is crucial for building confidence ahead of the next races.
“We’ll stay grounded, but with this group, we know we can achieve even more.”
&uuid=(email))