{"id":2088842,"date":"2026-08-11T10:56:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T07:56:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2088842"},"modified":"2026-08-11T10:56:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T07:56:53","slug":"his-best-is-yet-to-come-nsn-cycling-add-much-needed-climbing-quality-with-signing-of-santiago-buitrago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2088842","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;His best is yet to come&#8217; \u2013 NSN Cycling add much-needed climbing quality with signing of Santiago Buitrago"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Isaac del Toro commits his future to UAE Team Emirates-XRG with new long-term contract extension\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I was a big fan of Mark Cavendish when he raced for this team&#8217; \u2013 Soudal-QuickStep sign versatile Tim Torn Teutenberg from Lidl-Trek\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTransfers\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSantiago Buitrago Sanchez\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;His best is yet to come&#8217; \u2013 NSN Cycling add much-needed climbing quality with signing of Santiago Buitrago<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-11T10:56:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">26-year-old joins after seven years at Bahrain Victorious \u2013 quotes and analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Santiago Buitrago spearheads the breakaway during the 2026 Trofeo Laigueglia<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" 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border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-fd357944-956d-11f1-91a6-9754aaefe149\">After spending the first seven years of his career with Bahrain Victorious, Santiago Buitrago is moving on to pastures new in 2027, joining NSN Cycling Team to broaden the team&#8217;s horizons.<\/p>\n<p>The NSN team, which was rebranded and restructured from the Israel-Premier Tech team, has little quality or depth in the climbing department, but the signing of Buitrago is designed to address that.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fd357944-956d-11f1-91a6-9754aaefe149-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 26-year-old Colombian is a top 10 finisher at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, along with numerous week-long stage races, where his palmar\u00e8s includes a win at the 2025 Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As well as a solid general classification presence, Buitrago has also marked himself out as a strong stage hunter and Classics rider, winning stages at the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 2022 and 2023, placing third at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge in 2023, and winning his first one-day race at Trofeo Laigueglia earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Buitrago joins on a three-year contract running through 2029, by which point he will have just turned 30.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Full of confidence and with a real sense of anticipation&#8217; \u2013 Can Biniam Girmay recapture his 2024 Tour de France form with this NSN lead-out?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The arrival of Santiago Buitrago represents an important addition to NSN Cycling Team\u2019s long-term sporting project,&#8221; said NSN&#8217;s General Manager Kjell Carlstr\u00f6m.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cDespite a career already spanning seven years, at just 26 years old, Santiago has a long career ahead of him and room for continued growth as a rider. In addition to Santiago\u2019s stage and General Classification victories, he has finished inside the top ten at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, and we believe the best is yet to come.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cBeyond his own leadership opportunities, Buitrago\u2019s climbing ability and experience will give NSN Cycling Team greater tactical flexibility across the WorldTour calendar. His signing forms part of the team\u2019s continued investment in a roster capable of challenging across multiple race formats, building on the team\u2019s focus of sprinting and opportunistic racing in 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Buitrago added: &#8220;After seven years in Bahrain-Victorious, I felt it was the right time for a new challenge. I experienced some very important moments there, growing as a cyclist and as a person, but I also wanted to step outside my comfort zone and find a different environment that would help me continue to evolve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI was really impressed by the NSN sporting project and the confidence the team showed in me from the beginning. I feel we share the same ambition and that this is a place where I can continue to develop and fight for important goals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI still feel I have a lot of room to grow, so in the next three years, I want to keep taking steps forward and become an increasingly complete and consistent rider. My main goal will be to remain competitive in stage races and continue to develop in the Grand Tours.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-analysis\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Analysis<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"slice-container person-wrapper slice-container-person kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Person\" id=\"elk-fd357a5c-956d-11f1-932b-0d5335fb440b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator person--strapline\"><span class=\"person__strapline\">A versatile asset<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\"><span class=\"person__strapline-inline\">A versatile asset<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"block person__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Deputy Editor<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p>It seems crazy that Buitrago is still only 26. 2020, when he turned pro with Bahrain McLaren as a 20-year-old, feels like a lifetime ago. The breakthrough performances in 2022 and 2023 may not have led to scale of success that we might have expected, but nevertheless the Colombian has established himself as a strong, reliable, and versatile. climber. And he&#8217;s still only 26, so NSN are well within their rights to believe that &#8220;the best is yet to come&#8221;. This is not a huge statement signing but is exactly the sort that this team needs as they carve out their new identity. This year, they have looked rather one-dimensional, focusing on sprinting and not having much of an impact anywhere else. It hasn&#8217;t helped that their two most exciting climbers \u2013 Stevie Williams and Joseph Blackmore \u2013 haven&#8217;t raced all year. But Buitrago brings a level of climbing quality and consistency that the team needs in order to have a more rounded squad, and to start to pick up a few more UCI rankings points. Buitrago can win Grand Tour mountain stages, can be up there in the hilly Classics, and he can post some solid GC results, making him a valuable asset for a squad that can&#8217;t really do any of those things right now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<p>NSN Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Full of confidence and with a real sense of anticipation&#8217; \u2013 Can Biniam Girmay recapture his 2024 Tour de France form with this NSN lead-out?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We have big dreams&#8217; &#8211; Biniam Girmay blames Intermarch\u00e9 for lack of 2025 success but aims high in 2026 Tour de France sprints<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t reached my full potential&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage winner Mauro Schmid signs for Pinarello-Q36.5<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was a big fan of Mark Cavendish when he raced for this team&#8217; \u2013 Soudal-QuickStep sign versatile Tim Torn Teutenberg from Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Transfers<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was a big fan of Mark Cavendish when he raced for this team&#8217; \u2013 Soudal-QuickStep sign versatile Tim Torn Teutenberg from Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Isaac del Toro commits his future to UAE Team Emirates-XRG with new long-term contract extension<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Fabio Jakobsen leaves Picnic PostNL mid-season, reportedly set for surprising move to Visma-Lease a Bike<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t reached my full potential&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage winner Mauro Schmid signs for Pinarello-Q36.5<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Victor Langellotti makes mid-season transfer from Netcompany-Ineos to XDS-Astana<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t as close as I thought I might be&#8217; &#8211; Paula Blasi recognises her first Tour de France Femmes was a tougher learning curve than expected<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From double stage winner to a supporting role \u2013 2025&#8217;s breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates a different kind of success at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nicole Frain wins seventh race of season at Heathland Gravel, while fellow Australian sets FKT on Icelandic Divide &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t as close as I thought I might be&#8217; &#8211; Paula Blasi recognises her first Tour de France Femmes was a tougher learning curve than expected<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>From the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;His best is yet to come&#8217; \u2013 NSN Cycling add much-needed climbing quality with signing of Santiago Buitrago<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTransfers\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSantiago Buitrago Sanchez\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;His best is yet to come&#8217; \u2013 NSN Cycling add much-needed climbing quality with signing of Santiago Buitrago<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-11T10:56:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">26-year-old joins after seven years at Bahrain Victorious \u2013 quotes and analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Santiago Buitrago spearheads the breakaway during the 2026 Trofeo Laigueglia<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" 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border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-fd357944-956d-11f1-91a6-9754aaefe149\">After spending the first seven years of his career with Bahrain Victorious, Santiago Buitrago is moving on to pastures new in 2027, joining NSN Cycling Team to broaden the team&#8217;s horizons.<\/p>\n<p>The NSN team, which was rebranded and restructured from the Israel-Premier Tech team, has little quality or depth in the climbing department, but the signing of Buitrago is designed to address that.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fd357944-956d-11f1-91a6-9754aaefe149-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 26-year-old Colombian is a top 10 finisher at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, along with numerous week-long stage races, where his palmar\u00e8s includes a win at the 2025 Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As well as a solid general classification presence, Buitrago has also marked himself out as a strong stage hunter and Classics rider, winning stages at the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 2022 and 2023, placing third at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge in 2023, and winning his first one-day race at Trofeo Laigueglia earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Buitrago joins on a three-year contract running through 2029, by which point he will have just turned 30.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Full of confidence and with a real sense of anticipation&#8217; \u2013 Can Biniam Girmay recapture his 2024 Tour de France form with this NSN lead-out?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The arrival of Santiago Buitrago represents an important addition to NSN Cycling Team\u2019s long-term sporting project,&#8221; said NSN&#8217;s General Manager Kjell Carlstr\u00f6m.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cDespite a career already spanning seven years, at just 26 years old, Santiago has a long career ahead of him and room for continued growth as a rider. In addition to Santiago\u2019s stage and General Classification victories, he has finished inside the top ten at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, and we believe the best is yet to come.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cBeyond his own leadership opportunities, Buitrago\u2019s climbing ability and experience will give NSN Cycling Team greater tactical flexibility across the WorldTour calendar. His signing forms part of the team\u2019s continued investment in a roster capable of challenging across multiple race formats, building on the team\u2019s focus of sprinting and opportunistic racing in 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Buitrago added: &#8220;After seven years in Bahrain-Victorious, I felt it was the right time for a new challenge. I experienced some very important moments there, growing as a cyclist and as a person, but I also wanted to step outside my comfort zone and find a different environment that would help me continue to evolve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI was really impressed by the NSN sporting project and the confidence the team showed in me from the beginning. I feel we share the same ambition and that this is a place where I can continue to develop and fight for important goals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI still feel I have a lot of room to grow, so in the next three years, I want to keep taking steps forward and become an increasingly complete and consistent rider. My main goal will be to remain competitive in stage races and continue to develop in the Grand Tours.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-analysis\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Analysis<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"slice-container person-wrapper slice-container-person kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Person\" id=\"elk-fd357a5c-956d-11f1-932b-0d5335fb440b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator person--strapline\"><span class=\"person__strapline\">A versatile asset<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\"><span class=\"person__strapline-inline\">A versatile asset<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"block person__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Deputy Editor<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p>It seems crazy that Buitrago is still only 26. 2020, when he turned pro with Bahrain McLaren as a 20-year-old, feels like a lifetime ago. The breakthrough performances in 2022 and 2023 may not have led to scale of success that we might have expected, but nevertheless the Colombian has established himself as a strong, reliable, and versatile. climber. And he&#8217;s still only 26, so NSN are well within their rights to believe that &#8220;the best is yet to come&#8221;. This is not a huge statement signing but is exactly the sort that this team needs as they carve out their new identity. This year, they have looked rather one-dimensional, focusing on sprinting and not having much of an impact anywhere else. It hasn&#8217;t helped that their two most exciting climbers \u2013 Stevie Williams and Joseph Blackmore \u2013 haven&#8217;t raced all year. But Buitrago brings a level of climbing quality and consistency that the team needs in order to have a more rounded squad, and to start to pick up a few more UCI rankings points. Buitrago can win Grand Tour mountain stages, can be up there in the hilly Classics, and he can post some solid GC results, making him a valuable asset for a squad that can&#8217;t really do any of those things right now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Bahrain Victorious<\/p>\n<p>NSN Cycling Team<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Deputy Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor\u2019s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade\u2019s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews\u2019 wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN&#8217;s news operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Full of confidence and with a real sense of anticipation&#8217; \u2013 Can Biniam Girmay recapture his 2024 Tour de France form with this NSN lead-out?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QTCLcmUzDB4vKuEqEJ6Bi8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We have big dreams&#8217; &#8211; Biniam Girmay blames Intermarch\u00e9 for lack of 2025 success but aims high in 2026 Tour de France sprints<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t reached my full potential&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage winner Mauro Schmid signs for Pinarello-Q36.5<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was a big fan of Mark Cavendish when he raced for this team&#8217; \u2013 Soudal-QuickStep sign versatile Tim Torn Teutenberg from Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Transfers<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/viC42pjAorDg7fL6fEtyP4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was a big fan of Mark Cavendish when he raced for this team&#8217; \u2013 Soudal-QuickStep sign versatile Tim Torn Teutenberg from Lidl-Trek<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qUAhvf7GPPVWcgnsfw5R5K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Isaac del Toro commits his future to UAE Team Emirates-XRG with new long-term contract extension<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AWLpU4sgXBZAnjAUVkY3Kc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Fabio Jakobsen leaves Picnic PostNL mid-season, reportedly set for surprising move to Visma-Lease a Bike<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mui7m5kmqcmkKueS7zFqqj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I haven&#8217;t reached my full potential&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France stage winner Mauro Schmid signs for Pinarello-Q36.5<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nvf6RcwxuwBGzUvrtdGnvL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Transfers<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Victor Langellotti makes mid-season transfer from Netcompany-Ineos to XDS-Astana<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zk9Kk89qvDoVZebdXeLaUS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cL5Ydc5iaoqikZ7UagtBP6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t as close as I thought I might be&#8217; &#8211; Paula Blasi recognises her first Tour de France Femmes was a tougher learning curve than expected<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNvNA7BQLRZcsUYf29A7VC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From double stage winner to a supporting role \u2013 2025&#8217;s breakthrough star Ma\u00ebva Squiban celebrates a different kind of success at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gz4JkzFTwRkRJKxz5fjwTM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Nicole Frain wins seventh race of season at Heathland Gravel, while fellow Australian sets FKT on Icelandic Divide &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CzvxitAJnS2CdhCyzVkjC8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A historic milestone&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France Femmes breaks French television viewing records once again amid calls for race to be broadcast in full<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;In every Grand Tour we are breaking records&#8217; \u2013 Elisa Longo Borghini sees a high level at the top of women&#8217;s cycling but not enough of a &#8216;base&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;I wasn&#8217;t as close as I thought I might be&#8217; &#8211; Paula Blasi recognises her first Tour de France Femmes was a tougher learning curve than expected<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>From the dominant to the anonymous \u2013\u00a0Rating every team&#8217;s Tour de France Femmes performance<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;His best is yet to come&#8217; \u2013 NSN Cycling add much-needed climbing quality with signing of Santiago Buitrago<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTransfers\n<\/li>\n<li>\nSantiago Buitrago Sanchez\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;His best is yet to come&#8217; \u2013 NSN Cycling add much-needed climbing quality with signing of Santiago Buitrago<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPatrick Fletcher <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-11T10:56:53Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n11 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">26-year-old joins after seven years at Bahrain Victorious \u2013 quotes and analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-fd357944-956d-11f1-91a6-9754aaefe149\">After spending the first seven years of his career with Bahrain Victorious, Santiago Buitrago is moving on to pastures new in 2027, joining NSN Cycling Team to broaden the team&#8217;s horizons.<\/p>\n<p>The NSN team, which was rebranded and restructured from the Israel-Premier Tech team, has little quality or depth in the climbing department, but the signing of Buitrago is designed to address that.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fd357944-956d-11f1-91a6-9754aaefe149-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 26-year-old Colombian is a top 10 finisher at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, along with numerous week-long stage races, where his palmar\u00e8s includes a win at the 2025 Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As well as a solid general classification presence, Buitrago has also marked himself out as a strong stage hunter and Classics rider, winning stages at the Giro d&#8217;Italia in 2022 and 2023, placing third at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge in 2023, and winning his first one-day race at Trofeo Laigueglia earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Buitrago joins on a three-year contract running through 2029, by which point he will have just turned 30.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fM7aQj7cSaNscNYwLVNRDh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose their top rider Pavel Bittner for 2027<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hvKStmgent8rQ3HxHLG9qD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Laurens De Plus joins big-name domestiques heading to Decathlon CMA CGM as team look to build around Paul Seixas<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NQu72imttAwpz7zZTTFxcN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Full of confidence and with a real sense of anticipation&#8217; \u2013 Can Biniam Girmay recapture his 2024 Tour de France form with this NSN lead-out?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The arrival of Santiago Buitrago represents an important addition to NSN Cycling Team\u2019s long-term sporting project,&#8221; said NSN&#8217;s General Manager Kjell Carlstr\u00f6m.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cDespite a career already spanning seven years, at just 26 years old, Santiago has a long career ahead of him and room for continued growth as a rider. In addition to Santiago\u2019s stage and General Classification victories, he has finished inside the top ten at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, and we believe the best is yet to come.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-crUuJwHGLULYNEjxs3uz4o slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cBeyond his own leadership opportunities, Buitrago\u2019s climbing ability and experience will give NSN Cycling Team greater tactical flexibility across the WorldTour calendar. His signing forms part of the team\u2019s continued investment in a roster capable of challenging across multiple race formats, building on the team\u2019s focus of sprinting and opportunistic racing in 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Buitrago added: &#8220;After seven years in Bahrain-Victorious, I felt it was the right time for a new challenge. I experienced some very important moments there, growing as a cyclist and as a person, but I also wanted to step outside my comfort zone and find a different environment that would help me continue to evolve.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI was really impressed by the NSN sporting project and the confidence the team showed in me from the beginning. I feel we share the same ambition and that this is a place where I can continue to develop and fight for important goals.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cI still feel I have a lot of room to grow, so in the next three years, I want to keep taking steps forward and become an increasingly complete and consistent rider. My main goal will be to remain competitive in stage races and continue to develop in the Grand Tours.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-analysis\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Analysis<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"slice-container person-wrapper slice-container-person kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Person\" id=\"elk-fd357a5c-956d-11f1-932b-0d5335fb440b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator person--strapline\"><span class=\"person__strapline\">A versatile asset<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2QoJgeVtEMbCKNujw2pLoH-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\"><span class=\"person__strapline-inline\">A versatile asset<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"block person__name\">Patrick Fletcher<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Deputy Editor<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p>It seems crazy that Buitrago is still only 26. 2020, when he turned pro with Bahrain McLaren as a 20-year-old, feels like a lifetime ago. The breakthrough performances in 2022 and 2023 may not have led to scale of success that we might have expected, but nevertheless the Colombian has established himself as a strong, reliable, and versatile. climber. And he&#8217;s still only 26, so NSN are well within their rights to believe that &#8220;the best is yet to come&#8221;. This is not a huge statement signing but is exactly the sort that this team needs as they carve out their new identity. This year, they have looked rather one-dimensional, focusing on sprinting and not having much of an impact anywhere else. It hasn&#8217;t helped that their two most exciting climbers \u2013 Stevie Williams and Joseph Blackmore \u2013 haven&#8217;t raced all year. But Buitrago brings a level of climbing quality and consistency that the team needs in order to have a more rounded squad, and to start to pick up a few more UCI rankings points. Buitrago can win Grand Tour mountain stages, can be up there in the hilly Classics, and he can post some solid GC results, making him a valuable asset for a squad that can&#8217;t really do any of those things right now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/transfers\/his-best-is-yet-to-come-nsn-cycling-add-much-needed-climbing-quality-with-signing-of-santiago-buitrago\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/geXDosfonTzjdQjvyX7teX-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Isaac del Toro commits his future to UAE Team Emirates-XRG with new long-term contract extension 2 &#8216;I was a big fan of Mark Cavendish when he raced for this team&#8217; \u2013 Soudal-QuickStep sign versatile Tim Torn Teutenberg from Lidl-Trek 3 &#8216;My ambition is to become a consistent winner&#8217; &#8211; Picnic-PostNL lose [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2088842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2088842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2088842"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2088842\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2088842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2088842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2088842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}