Bahrain - Victorious set to sign two of Spain's best climbers for 2027
CyclingSunday, 12 July 2026 at 06:00
Bahrain - Victorious will bolster its roster with two Spanish riders for the 2027 season, with Cristián Rodríguez and Ibon Ruiz both set to join the WorldTour team, as Bahrain looks to add greater depth for mountain races.
Cristián Rodríguez leaves Astana
According to Marca, Rodríguez will depart XDS Astana after another solid campaign that underlined his value as a climber and reliable stage racer.
The Andalusian has established himself as a reliable performer on difficult terrain, making him an attractive addition for Bahrain Victorious, where he is expected to play a dual role: supporting the team's leaders in the mountains while also taking opportunities of his own in smaller races.
His experience at WorldTour level and ability to perform in the high mountains make him a valuable reinforcement for the Bahraini squad. Rodríguez was the highest-placed Spanish rider at the 2025 Tour de France, where he finished in 20th position.
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Rodríguez arrives at Bahrain after more than a decade in the professional ranks, having built a reputation as one of Spain's most dependable climbers. The 31-year-old turned professional with Southeast in 2015 before spells at Caja Rural, TotalEnergies, Arkéa and Astana, steadily establishing himself as a consistent performer in stage races.
His breakthrough came with overall victory at the Tour du Rwanda in 2021, while he has since collected podium finishes at races such as the Tour of Oman, Vuelta a Andalucía and La Route d'Occitanie. Rodríguez has also become a regular presence in Grand Tours, completing ten appearances across the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España.
Cristián Rodríguez has 3 professional wins
Ibon Ruiz earns WorldTour opportunity
Joining him will be Ibon Ruiz, who has impressed with Equipo Kern Pharma during the 2026 season. The Basque rider has taken a significant step forward this year with solid results in mountain stages, and he managed to secure his first professional victory at the Mercan'Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes back in June.
For Ruiz, the move represents the reward for a patient rise through the Spanish ranks. The Basque rider has spent his entire professional career with Equipo Kern Pharma after developing at amateur powerhouse Lizarte, gradually evolving into one of the team's reference climbers.
His progression has been evident over the past three seasons, with increasingly competitive performances in hilly one-day races and stage races before his breakthrough campaign in 2026.
Alongside his victory at the Mercan'Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes, Ruiz finished runner-up overall at La Route d'Occitanie and produced several strong displays against WorldTour opposition. At 27, he now earns his first opportunity at cycling's highest level, where Bahrain Victorious will hope his climbing talent continues to develop.
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
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Senna196012-07-2026 - Yes, I did all of that before posting, with a few weather sites (not Google), and already knew that they were riding towards a slightly cooler place, but it still ends up with them riding in the hottest part of the day. Several cyclists have called for earlier starting times in general.Hills3312-07-2026
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