Damiano Caruso may be set to retire from racing at the end of 2026 but he won't be going far

Damiano Caruso is poised to retire from professional racing at the conclusion of the 2026 season, marking the end of an impressive 17-year career. The Italian rider recently completed his final Giro d’Italia, a race where he has consistently performed well, achieving five top-ten overall finishes including a stage win and a runner-up position in 2021. While crossing the finish line in Rome, Caruso was celebrated not only for his racing achievements but also for his future role within the sport, as he has secured a position as a directeur sportif with Bahrain Victorious. Caruso’s transition to a management role reflects his longstanding leadership within the team. Bahrain Victorious’ performance manager, Rod Ellingworth, highlighted Caruso’s natural fit for the role, emphasising his mentorship of younger riders and his deep understanding of the modern peloton. Having raced alongside the current generation of cyclists, Caruso brings invaluable experience and insight into the evolving demands of professional cycling, qualities that are expected to benefit the team’s strategic direction in the coming years. Throughout his final Giro, Caruso demonstrated his selflessness and team spirit by supporting his teammate Afonso Eulálio, who wore the maglia rosa for several stages. This role as a mentor and bridge between riders and management has been a defining feature of Caruso’s time with Bahrain Victorious since 2019. He expressed a strong emotional connection to the team, describing it as a family and viewing his new position as a natural continuation of his contributions off the bike. Despite preparing for life after racing, Caruso remains fully committed to his current season and has not yet shifted focus away from competition. He has stated his intention to pursue important goals, including the possibility of riding the Tour de France, and is determined to finish his career with passion and dedication. Caruso’s planned retirement and immediate move into a directeur sportif role underline a seamless transition that will keep him closely involved in the sport he has devoted nearly two decades to.