Santiago Buitrago: "That stage in the Giro d'Italia has changed my life"

Santiago Buitrago has had a breakthrough season with Bahrain - Victorious in 2022 and has become one of the leading figures with in the climber-rich squad. The Colombian is currently planning his 2023 season, but looks back on a successful year.

"This 2022 was my best year so far, my third year in Bahrain and being able to achieve what I achieved was very gratifying both for me and for the team that has trusted me," Buitrago told Caracol Radio. With Mikel Landa and Pello Bilbao finished third and fifth at the Giro Buitrago had a supporting role, but has nevetheless finished 12th in the GC and thrived in the latter part of the race.

The Colombian won stage 17 from a breakaway on a highly mountainous stage. He has however also taken wins at the Saudi Tour and Vuelta a Burgos, both in explosive finales where it has become clear that he can perform in, besides the high mountains.

“Having achieved that stage in the Giro d'Italia has changed my life, it is knowing that I have the chance to write my name on such a short list. It is a privilege to win a stage in my first Giro, it is something still hard to believe," he said in the interview. His debut in the Corsa Rosa proved successful, and he's looking towards further success in 2023.

With Landa and Bilbao eyeing the Tour next season due to it's start in the Basque Country and the mountainous route, it could very much be the main goal of the year for Buitrago. However, the Giro and Vuelta routes remain high possibilities depending on the team's ambitions. Jack Haig and Gino Mäder are heading to the Giro, whilst Damiano Caruso is also yet to decide.

“I have been talking about it with my coach because the Tour has a very nice route, unlike the Giro, which has three time trials. I don't know if this year I'll do the Tour or the Giro, but without a doubt the Tour is my favorite race, it's the biggest in cycling," he concluded.