'My legs weren't great, but I'm old and stubborn, so I went for it anyway' - Damiano Caruso fights the years in Giro d'Italia breakaway

Damiano Caruso delivered a remarkable performance on stage 17 of the Giro d’Italia, enduring a grueling 135km breakaway to finish third and move back into the top ten overall. Despite his advancing age—he will turn 39 in October and has already announced his retirement at the end of the season—Caruso showed no signs of slowing down. His resilience and determination were evident as he battled fatigue and pain, collapsing beyond the finish line after giving everything in pursuit of a stage victory. Caruso’s effort was particularly notable given the challenging nature of the stage, which featured significant climbing and tested the riders’ endurance. He acknowledged that his legs were not at their best but credited his stubbornness and experience for pushing him through. While Michael Valgren ultimately claimed the stage win, Caruso expressed pride in his performance and satisfaction with how the day unfolded, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining energy late in the race and recognising Valgren’s well-earned victory. Throughout the Giro, Caruso has played a crucial role in supporting his Bahrain Victorious teammate Afonso Eulálio, who wore the maglia rosa between stages 6 and 14. His selfless work in the team’s service earned him the freedom to target individual success later in the race. Caruso explained that his primary goal was to assist the team but that he also sought opportunities for personal achievement, which he seized on stage 17 with the team’s backing. Looking ahead, Caruso indicated he might continue to seek stage wins before the race concludes in Rome, despite the physical toll of his efforts. His performance serves as a testament to his longevity and dedication in professional cycling, standing alongside legendary figures such as Gino Bartali in terms of age and competitiveness. As he approaches the final months of his career, Caruso’s determination and fighting spirit remain undiminished, offering a fitting finale to a distinguished 17-year tenure in the sport.