‘At one point you have to say stop’ – Damiano Caruso hopes for a final Tour de France ride as he confirms plans to retire this year

Italian veteran Damiano Caruso has announced that the 2026 season will mark the end of his professional cycling career after 18 years in the sport. Currently competing in his ninth and final Giro d’Italia with Bahrain Victorious, Caruso hopes to conclude his career with one last appearance at the Tour de France later this summer. At 38 years old, the Sicilian rider has been a consistent presence in Grand Tours, highlighted by his runner-up finish at the 2021 Giro d’Italia and a stage win on the iconic Alpe Motta climb. Caruso dismissed speculation about extending his career into 2027, firmly stating that it is time to stop and that he wants to retire on his own terms. He expressed a desire to finish his career at the Tour de France, ideally crossing the Champs-Élysées for a final farewell. His decision follows rumours linked to a bet involving Colombian rider Santiago Buitrago, which hinged on Buitrago’s performance at the 2026 Giro, but the Colombian’s early crash ended those prospects. Caruso’s focus now is on supporting his team’s ambitions at both the Giro and the upcoming Tour. This season, Caruso has taken on a key role as a domestique for Bahrain Victorious’ maglia rosa wearer Afonso Eulálio, guiding the young Portuguese rider through the race’s challenging mountain stages. Caruso himself sits 16th overall after 12 stages, providing invaluable experience and leadership within a team that has already secured a stage win through Alec Segaert. With Eulálio holding a narrow lead over Jonas Vingegaard, Caruso anticipates a tough battle ahead in the Valle d’Aosta region, emphasising the importance of steady, measured racing. Reflecting on the current atmosphere within Bahrain Victorious, Caruso described a positive and focused team spirit, with everyone embracing the unique opportunity of leading a Grand Tour. His approach to the final months of his career is one of gratitude and pragmatism, aiming to “live the dream day by day” while supporting his teammates. Caruso’s impending retirement marks the close of a distinguished career that saw him rise through Italian squads before flourishing with Bahrain Victorious, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Italy’s most reliable Grand Tour riders.