The Volta Valenciana wrapped up its 76th edition with a finale that was less about drama and more about Bahrain Victorious reminding everyone else who’s boss. Santiago Buitrago, the Colombian climbing sensation, sealed the deal on the final stage, cruising into Valencia with the leader’s jersey firmly on his back and a grin that could power a small village. Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) tried his best to make things interesting, but let’s be honest, 18 seconds might as well be 18 light-years when Buitrago’s in this kind of form. And let’s not forget Pello Bilbao, the ever-dependable Basque, who rounded out the podium in third. Two riders on the podium? Bahrain Victorious wasn’t just winning this race—they were hosting it.
The final stage, a breezy 104 km jaunt from Alfafar to Valencia, was supposed to be a day for the sprinters. And sure, Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) took the stage win, because someone had to. But the real story was Bahrain Victorious playing defense like a chess grandmaster who’s already three moves ahead. The team controlled the peloton with the kind of precision that makes you wonder if they’ve secretly invented a telepathic communication system. Strong winds? Technical corners? A peloton full of riders desperate to make something happen? No problem. Buitrago and his crew made it look easy, which is both impressive and mildly infuriating for everyone else.
Buitrago’s post-race comments were a masterclass in humility: “I have to thank my teammates. This victory is as much theirs as it is mine.” Sure, Santiago, but let’s not pretend you didn’t just spend the last five days climbing like a mountain goat with a jetpack. Meanwhile, Roman Kreuziger, the team’s sports director, was practically doing cartwheels in his post-race interview. “We couldn’t have asked for more,” he said, which is technically true, unless they were also hoping for a parade in their honor. Two stage wins, two riders on the podium, the points jersey, and the team classification? That’s not just a good week—that’s a statement.
As for the rest of the peloton, well, they’ll probably be glad to see the back of Bahrain Victorious for a while. Joao Almeida tried valiantly to close the gap, but let’s face it, he was fighting an uphill battle—literally and figuratively. And while Jonathan Milan got his moment in the sun with the stage win, even he must have felt like he was crashing someone else’s party.
So, what have we learned from this year’s Volta Valenciana? First, Santiago Buitrago is very, very good at cycling. Second, Bahrain Victorious is a well-oiled machine that apparently doesn’t believe in bad days. And third, if you’re a rival team, maybe start praying for rain or a rogue seagull to disrupt their rhythm next time.
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