Damiano Caruso joins Bahrain Victorious as sports director

Former Italian professional cyclist Damiano Caruso has transitioned into a new role as a sports director for the Bahrain Victorious team following his retirement after a 17-year career. To formalize this transition, the 39-year-old is undergoing training at the UCI cycling center in Switzerland to obtain the necessary licensing.

Reflecting on the evolution of the sport, Caruso noted that modern cycling has become more scientific and performance-driven, which he views as a positive development. However, he expressed concern that the human dimension is being neglected, noting that the intense pressure to perform can lead to severe mental strain for athletes.

Caruso also commented on the dominance of Tadej Pogačar, stating that the rider is “the history of cycling” and, in his view, the strongest cyclist of all time. He observed that the sport's intense focus on results and the constant search for the next dominant talent contributes to the high-pressure environment facing contemporary riders.