Solo Victory For The Colombian

Santiago Buitrago wins the Laigueglia Trophy: solo victory for the Colombian

The Bahrain cyclist Victorious, after a fierce attack on the last circuit, takes the victory in the Italian classic, leaving his rivals behind and achieving his ninth professional victory

This Wednesday, Colombian Santiago Buitrago, Bahrain Victorious rider, won the 63rd edition of the Laigueglia Trophy, one of the most prestigious classics in Italian cycling. The race, with a 192 km route that ran between Albenga and the picturesque town of Liguria, was resolved in the last meters after an impressive attack by the Colombian. At 26 years old, Buitrago once again tasted triumph after his overall victory in the Vuelta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2025, further consolidating his position as one of the most promising cyclists in the international peloton.

The day began with a very lively peloton, where several runners tried to make their move from the first kilometers. However, the race took a decisive turn within the last circuit, in a final route that included three climbs to Colla Micheri and three to Capo Mele. It was at that moment when Buitrago, together with his breakaway companions, the Frenchman Romain Grégoire (Groupama) and the Italian Antonio Tiberi, managed to break away from the other competitors to launch a breakaway that would lead the Colombian to glory.

After breaking up the initial escape carried out by the Belgian Louis Vervaeke (Soudal), who had taken the lead halfway through the race, Buitrago, Tiberi and Grégoire understood each other perfectly. However, the key moment came when the Colombian attacked with 11 km to go. That movement, just eight kilometers from the finish, left his rivals behind and, despite attempts to chase, Buitrago maintained the advantage and was crowned alone with a time of 4 hours, 38 minutes and 50 seconds.

The victory was a respite for Bahrain Victorious, who not only took the victory with Buitrago, but also saw Tiberi get on the podium in third position, closing a fantastic day for the team. For his part, Grégoire achieved second place, very close to Buitrago, while the group of favorites, including Diego Ulissi and the Portuguese Antonio Morgado (UAE), crossed the finish line several minutes behind the first three.

The final circuit: the key to victory

The route of the 63rd edition of the Laigueglia Trophy included a mountain profile with several difficulties. After a first section in which several cyclists tried to venture, it was in the last circuit when the race became more exciting. The climbs to Colla Micheri and Capo Mele, with demanding gradients, offered the perfect terrain for stronger cyclists. Vervaeke, who had led the race for much of the day, gave ground as the peloton began to regroup. Morgado's UAE team took the lead in the chase, and soon a trio of riders formed and, little by little, began to distance themselves from the main chase.

The chase was intense, but the attack by Buitrago, who seemed to have complete control of the terrain, was decisive. The last climb to Colla Micheri was the breaking point. As the Colombian launched himself into the final descent, Tiberi and Grégoire ran out of strength to keep up. Already in the last section of the race, Buitrago did not give his pursuers any chance, being crowned the new champion of the Laigueglia Trophy.

The impact of the victory: a big step for Buitrago

Santiago Buitrago's victory in the Laigueglia Trophy reinforces his status as one of the most outstanding cyclists on the international scene. At 26 years old, the Colombian has already proven to be a fierce competitor in mountain events, and his victory in this Italian classic is a sign of his maturity and his ability to win high-level events.

The Laigueglia Trophy, which has a long history within cycling, is not only important for the cyclists, but is also key for the teams. For Bahrain Victorious, the result was a great reward, as the team has proven to be in top form at the start of the season. Buitrago's victory comes at a time when the team is looking to consolidate its status in major European competitions, and it certainly bodes well for the near future.

Other highlights: a day to remember

The rest of the runners also had their role during the day. The first part of the race was marked by the escape attempt of the Belgian Louis Vervaeke, who managed to open a significant lead during the ascent to the Cota de Testico. Vervaeke, who had been at the forefront of the peloton for several hours, came under pressure from the chasing group. Despite his efforts, fatigue set in, and the trio of Buitrago, Grégoire and Tiberi caught up with him before the third climb to Colla Micheri.

In the group of favorites, runners like Diego Ulissi (UAE) and Antonio Morgado, who had been attentive to the movements of the race, were overwhelmed by the strength of the trio of escapees, and despite their efforts, they could not access the first positions. However, the day was full of excitement until the end, with the last kilometers offering a vibrant spectacle of fight for victory.

Conclusion: a deserved victory

Santiago Buitrago demonstrated once again that he is a world-class cyclist. His victory in the Laigueglia Trophy is a reward for his effort and dedication. This victory not only gives him great personal satisfaction, but also gives Bahrain Victorious an important success in its fight to stand out in international cycling. The next few months will be crucial for the team and for Buitrago, who will surely continue fighting for more victories in the major competitions on the European calendar.

FAQ

• What is the Laigueglia Trophy?
  The Laigueglia Trophy is an Italian cycling classic held annually in the Liguria region, with a course that includes mountains and demanding climbs.
• How many kilometers does the Laigueglia Trophy have?
  The Laigueglia Trophy has a route of 192 km, which tests the skills of cyclists in mountainous terrain.
• How was the race resolved?
  The race was resolved after a solo attack by Santiago Buitrago in the last circuit, where he surpassed his rivals and was crowned champion.
• Who were Buitrago's main competitors?
  Among the main competitors were Romain Grégoire, Antonio Tiberi, and Louis Vervaeke, although it was Buitrago who took the final victory.
• How important is this victory for Buitrago?
  This victory reinforces Buitrago's status as one of the most outstanding cyclists, especially in mountain events.
• What is the route of the Laigueglia Trophy?
  The route includes climbs to Colla Micheri and Capo Mele, with several difficulties that test the cyclists during the race.
• Who won the Laigueglia Trophy last year?
  The winner of the 2025 edition was the Spanish Juan Ayuso.
• What was Buitrago's time in the race?
  Buitrago completed the race with a time of 4 hours, 38 minutes and 50 seconds.
• What team does Santiago Buitrago represent?
  Santiago Buitrago rides for the Bahrain Victorious team.
• How can I follow more cycling news?
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