Though he didn’t end the Critérium du Dauphiné, Santiago Buitrago retained the boldness of Bahrain Victorious and has been named workforce chief for the Tour de France. The 25-year-old Colombian, who positioned tenth general in his debut final yr, can be aiming to enhance on that efficiency.
“We begin this 2025 Tour with a number of hopes, truly, to be trustworthy, expectations. I’ve been coaching for this yr’s Tour for the reason that finish in Good final yr. I wished to organize myself in one of the best ways and be in the most effective situation,” Buitrago stated in a workforce launch.
“All the pieces has been going properly this season – we’ve labored arduous on each facet, and we’ve had some good ends in the workforce, which has given me loads of confidence for the three weeks forward.”
Buitrado began off his season with two phases and the general on the Volta Comunitat Valenciana and second at Tour des Alpes-Maritimes in February, earlier than a DNF at Paris-Good, and his abandon on the Dauphiné.
He can be supported by Lenny Martinez, second general on the Tour de Romandie and stage 8 winner on the Dauphiné. Final yr, the 21-year-old who has been touted as the following nice French GC hope, had a quiet debut on the Tour. This time, driving for a brand new workforce, he’ll tackle a supporting position whereas additionally getting the chance to check himself below much less stress.
“I believe it’s good to have a French rider within the workforce on a Grand tour for the primary time. So we’re trying ahead to having Lenny there and seeing how he can go. He may also be the suitable added motivation for the blokes within the workforce, as a result of usually it all the time provides one thing further,” stated sports activities director Romain Kreuzinger, who has raced 10 Excursions in his profession.
Each males agreed that the primary 10 days might carry surprises.
“In comparison with 2024, I believe 2025 is a bit completely different. Elevation clever, very comparable, however within the first 9 days, virtually no mountain finishes. After all, there are numerous punchy finishes that might go well with our riders, but in addition some windy phases and sprints, so it’s going to be a typical begin to the Tour de France, with rigidity within the bunch,” Kreuzinger stated.
Buitrago agreed, “We start with 10 very sophisticated days in a row, the place you’ll be able to’t achieve a lot however for those who make a mistake you’ll be able to say goodbye to the GC.”’
On the flatter phases, the workforce will look to sprinter Phil Bauhaus, driving for a 3rd time who completed high 3 on 4 phases however nonetheless searching for that elusive Grand Tour stage victory.
Buitrago goes into La Grande Boucle to “enhance on my high 10 place from final yr.”
“I’m hoping for the prospect to struggle for a stage, however the principal goal is to maneuver larger on GC. We have now labored so arduous as a workforce to attempt to get within the high 5, and even on the rostrum.”
Kreuziger desires Bahrain Victorious to be energetic and opportunistic all through the 12 phases – “I believe our motto must be, ‘Let’s be racers and benefit from the race with ambition.’”
Bahrain Victorious for the 2025 Tour de France
- Santiago Buitrago (Col)
- Lenny Martinez (Fra)
- Phil Bauhaus (Ger)
- Fred Wright (GBr)
- Robert Stannard (Aus)
- Jack Haig (Aus)
- Matej Mohorič (Slo)
- Kamil Gradek (Pol)
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