30/05/2024

Jack Haig, Santiago Buitrago & Antonio Tiberi give strong Bahrain - Victorious multiple options at Criterium du Dauphine

The Bahrain - Victorious team will head to the Criterium du Dauphine with a strong lineup, packed with different general classification options, including recent Best Young Rider at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, Antonio Tiberi.

“This is a very important race in the lead up to the Tour alongside the Tour de Suisse as we build up for the Tour de France," previews Bahrain - Victorious' Lead Sports Director Neil Stephens in a press release on the team's official website. "We will see that all the major players in these two races are fine-tuning ahead of the Grand Départ, and we will be doing the same with our riders.”

“It’s still way too early to say” - Chris Froome unsure he'll be allowed Tour de France return later this summer

Alongside Tiberi in a three-pronged general classification threat for the team at the Dauphine will be Santiago Buitrago and Jack Haig. "Haig and Buitrago will both be going into the Dauphiné as a test ahead of the Tour, and they will try their best to rank high in the GC. This is a great opportunity for them to come back to racing and see how they go after a break," says Stephens. "Another mention of the GC talent we have going into the race is Antonio Tiberi. He is coming in from a fantastic performance at the Giro. We are delighted to have him and see how he recovers coming into the Dauphiné, and with no pressure, we’d like to see how he gets through the first few days before the ITT and mountains."

Completing the lineup, Fred Wright, Kamil Gradek, Jasha Sutterlin and Rainer Kepplinger. "We’ve also got Fred and Kamil coming back after a break. They are both excellent team workers but very exciting riders in their own regard. Both have different styles, but they’ll be looking to fight for the team and potentially have a chance at achieving individual results. It is Fred’s last race this year in his Nationals jersey, and I’m sure he will be looking to show good form ahead of defending his title," Stephens concludes. "Jasha and Rainer round out the lineup. Both are coming from the Giro, and I have no doubt they’ll be looking to give invaluable support to the team.”