He will close his racing career and immediately begin a new one with the same Team Bahrain Victorious: Damiano Caruso will remain with the team even after his retirement from racing, with the agreement signed on the final day of the Giro d'Italia in Rome.

The Sicilian rider, who had long announced that 2026 would be his last season as a professional, will assume the role of Sporting Director after his retirement, ensuring that his experience, leadership and expertise remain at the heart of Bahrain Victorious for years to come.

The announcement comes after another extraordinary Giro d'Italia for Caruso. At 38 years old, Damiano demonstrated once again his undiminished class, finishing ninth in the general classification, securing a podium finish on stage 17 and being recognized as the most combative rider of the race, having animated the competition for three weeks.

Although his performances on the road have demonstrated that he is still able to compete with the best, Caruso's influence has extended far beyond his personal results. During the Giro d'Italia, he played a fundamental role in supporting and guiding Afonso Eulálio through a pivotal Grand Tour for the young Portuguese cyclist. Eulálio wore the Maglia Rosa for nine days, claimed the White Jersey and finished sixth in the general classification, with Caruso providing invaluable guidance and leadership throughout the race.

In recent seasons, Caruso has become one of the most respected figures in the team, not only for his consistency and professionalism, but also for the leadership qualities he brings to the group. His willingness to support younger riders, share his experience and help develop the next generation has made him a valuable resource both on and off the bike.

Having raced through different eras of professional cycling and remaining competitive at the highest levels, Caruso brings a unique perspective and understanding of the modern peloton. His racing experience alongside today's riders, combined with his natural leadership qualities, will add a further valuable dimension to Bahrain Victorious's group of sporting directors.

This announcement does not yet mark the end of Caruso's racing career. The Sicilian remains fully committed to his final season with the team and will continue racing throughout the rest of 2026. With a stage win at the Giro d'Italia, a stage win at the Vuelta a España and a second place finish at the 2021 Giro d'Italia already in his palmares, Caruso will continue to pursue one final ambition before retirement: a stage win at the Tour de France to complete a stage win in every Grand Tour.

Damiano Caruso commented: «For me, this represents a completely natural step. I have been with Bahrain Victorious since 2019 and over the years this team has become much more than just a team, it has become a family. Throughout this time I have always tried to help younger riders, share my experience and act as a bridge between the riders and management, so in many ways this new role represents a continuation of what I have already done. I would like to thank the management and everyone who works for Bahrain Victorious for giving me the opportunity to continue this journey with the team after my racing career. It means a lot to me to be able to remain part of this project and continue working with our riders, helping them grow and sharing not only my experience and knowledge, but also the passion and values that this sport has given me during my career. I also want to thank all the staff and my teammates. This year they have helped me believe in myself and pushed me every day to give my best. Their support has allowed me to achieve a high level of performance and has reminded me how special this team is».

And further: «At the same time, my racing career is not yet over. I still have important objectives for this season and I am committed to giving everything for the team until the last race. I want to enjoy every moment of these final months in the peloton, make the most of every opportunity and close this chapter of my career with the same passion and dedication that have always defined me. When the time comes to get off the bike, I know I will do so without regrets and with enthusiasm for this new chapter with Bahrain Victorious».

Milan Eržen, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Victorious, stated: «We are very happy that Damiano continues with Bahrain Victorious after concluding his racing career. He has been an important part of the team for a long time and knows our culture, our riders and our way of working. He has also become an excellent mentor to many of our young riders and this experience will be valuable in his new role as Sporting Director. First, however, we look forward to enjoying the rest of his final season as a rider».

Rod Ellingworth, Performance Manager of Bahrain Victorious, added: «Damiano is perfect for this role. For several years he has been mentoring many of our young riders and has become someone they trust and respect. The great advantage is his age, because he comes directly from the peloton. He has raced alongside this generation of riders, understands how the sport continues to evolve and knows firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest levels today. This experience, combined with his character and leadership qualities, will make him a true asset to our group of sporting directors».