Team Bahrain – Victorious Tour de France 2025: Squad, Strategy & Predictions
When you hear Bahrain – Victorious, you don’t think safe and steady — you think of daring breakaways, long-range raids, and riders who’d rather blow up spectacularly than sit in the wheels. Since their launch in 2017, this Middle Eastern-backed outfit has gone from plucky upstarts to WorldTour power players, armed with a squad that thrives in chaos and an ethos that rewards boldness over caution.
Led by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s vision and managed by seasoned DS Gorazd Štangelj, the team has turned into a fixture at the front of the world’s toughest races — none bigger than the Tour de France.
Bahrain – Victorious 2025 Tour de France Squad 📋
Rider 2052_c3c740-80> | Nationality 2052_464ad6-a2> | Speciality 2052_589b89-d7> |
|---|---|---|
Lenny Martinez 2052_c6fda9-e9> | 🇫🇷 France 2052_af3904-b8> | GC hopeful / Climber 2052_c228fc-94> |
Santiago Buitrago 2052_a3489c-7f> | 🇨🇴 Colombia 2052_707adc-f5> | Pure Climber / Stage Hunter 2052_723fde-11> |
Matej Mohorič 2052_dab662-78> | 🇸🇮 Slovenia 2052_73a0a8-fe> | All-rounder / Breakaway King 2052_67a7b2-5d> |
Phil Bauhaus 2052_b5ea0d-a2> | 🇩🇪 Germany 2052_22542e-68> | Sprinter 2052_3238be-8b> |
Kamil Gradek 2052_5ee01a-6b> | 🇵🇱 Poland 2052_a86b4b-93> | Rouleur / TT engine 2052_e0b5a2-ae> |
Jack Haig 2052_89a217-5d> | 🇦🇺 Australia 2052_9e0ed4-52> | Climber / Super-domestique 2052_968afe-e2> |
Robert Stannard 2052_c934f4-24> | 🇦🇺 Australia 2052_0c94cf-25> | Puncheur / Break specialist 2052_b81f3d-39> |
Fred Wright 2052_06c9e6-1b> | 🇬🇧 Great Britain 2052_d4cce9-eb> | Classics man / Aggressive attacker 2052_222df7-4f> |
Confirmed for Tour de France 2025
This crew is locked and loaded for July — a potent mix of:
- Climbers for the high mountains
- Breakaway snipers for transitional stages
- One of the most versatile all-rounders in Mohorič
- And Phil Bauhaus ready to contest sprints when chaos rules
Strengths & Weaknesses: Bahrain Victorious’ 2025 Tour Arsenal
🔥 Team Strengths
💪 Strength 2052_9e6b7b-c3> | Why It Matters at the Tour 2052_0ea06b-a9> |
|---|---|
Breakaway Artists 2052_5f66cb-57> | With Matej Mohorič and Fred Wright, expect Bahrain to light the fuse on transitional and hilly stages. Mohorič’s descending attacks are Tour folklore now. 2052_ee5210-e6> |
Mountain Depth 2052_e5e079-ee> | Buitrago, Haig, and Martinez offer serious climbing horsepower. Ideal for stages like Mont Ventoux and Courchevel Col de la Loze. 2052_e35f2b-87> |
All-Terrain Aggression 2052_db0249-b7> | This team doesn’t wait for permission — known for going rogue in unexpected places. Think Stage 10 or Stage 15 ambushes. 2052_975f00-72> |
Phil Bauhaus’ Sprint Legs 2052_4e62e2-3f> | Flat finishes aren’t forgotten — Bauhaus packs a mean final 200m when positioned right. Could swipe a stage from the big names. 2052_2ac937-9b> |
⚠️ Team Weaknesses
❌ Weakness 2052_260ec2-ec> | ⚠️ Impact 2052_529c48-7a> |
|---|---|
No Proven GC Podium Guy 2052_865515-3f> | Martinez has promise, Haig is solid, but no proven Jonas/Jorgenson/Vlasov-beater for yellow. 2052_cc12ef-6a> |
Reliance on Breakaways 2052_a8eed2-2b> | Stage wins hinge on bold moves sticking. Risky in a Tour where Visma, UAE, and Ineos control hard. 2052_6ead99-1e> |
Limited Sprint Firepower 2052_d67d0b-63> | Bauhaus is their lone card in fast finishes. Against Jakobsen, Groenewegen, and De Lie — it’s uphill. 2052_decf37-51> |
Time Trial Exposure 2052_fd01a4-e0> | Only Gradek offers TT cover. Could hurt on Stage 5’s 33km test and Stage 13’s short explosive effort. 2052_84239e-86> |
“Bahrain Victorious are the peloton’s wildcard — kings of chaos, descending demons, and late-stage heartbreakers. When they strike, you’d better be watching.”
The 2025 Tour Route: Where Bahrain Victorious Can Break Chains
The 2025 Tour de France throws up a spicy mix:
8 flat, 6 hilly, 5 mountainous stages, 2 individual time trials, and some nasty double climb finales.
For Bahrain Victorious — a team that thrives on unpredictability and breakaway brawls — there are some pure golden opportunities.
Mountain Stages Bahrain Will Love
Stage 2052_c2dd66-bd> | Route 2052_cb3dd8-46> | Bahrain’s Playbook 2052_932726-5b> |
|---|---|---|
Stage 10 2052_481dc3-b9> | 2052_4b211e-87> | Buitrago and Haig to hit this volcanic climb hard. Breakaway heaven. 2052_81581c-e8> |
Stage 12 2052_5de25b-34> | 2052_0c5dd0-83> | Long-range raid material for Martinez or Buitrago. 2052_f0754c-1b> |
Stage 16 2052_b173c0-e1> | 2052_6d9128-a4> | Mohorič descends like a man possessed. Launch over Ventoux? Watch this space. 2052_e695f0-82> |
Stage 18 2052_8f946d-2b> | 2052_49c43d-fe> | Bahrain’s trio of climbers can turn this high-altitude monster into a stage win. 2052_a00b86-33> |
Hilly Stages Perfect for Ambush
📆 Stage 2052_b69541-bd> | Route 2052_281037-e8> | 🎯 Bahrain’s Hit List 2052_d0db7e-ce> |
|---|---|---|
| 2052_4ea553-21> | Lauwin-Planque > Boulogne-sur-Mer (212 km) 2052_4e0866-1f> | Classic Mohorič/Wright move on the punchy climbs. 2052_7e5821-c9> |
| 2052_1502b0-6c> | Amiens Métropole > Rouen (173 km) 2052_97e74a-26> | Sneaky late attack chance. 2052_b9fb76-c1> |
| 2052_744a19-09> | Saint-Malo > Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan (194 km) 2052_2b7768-a8> | Buitrago could blow this uphill finish wide open. 2052_81bc7f-92> |
| 2052_771cbf-0f> | Muret > Carcassonne (169 km) 2052_98ff5e-34> | Hot, rolling, and unpredictable — Bahrain playground. 2052_682a69-15> |
Sprint Chances for Phil Bauhaus
📆 Stage 2052_47ec37-ba> | Route 2052_e980dc-cf> | 🏁 Finish Type 2052_878207-4e> |
|---|---|---|
| 2052_068562-75> | Lille Métropole > Lille Métropole (185 km) 2052_b9a2a4-0b> | Flat — Bauhaus warm-up 2052_ce24f7-7f> |
| 2052_7ca528-3f> | Saint-Méen-le-Grand > Laval Espace Mayenne (174 km) 2052_ecb246-bf> | Flat — sneaky shot 2052_7193b8-e7> |
| 2052_2a7b5d-e5> | Chinon > Châteauroux (170 km) 2052_0aa5b4-c5> | Pure drag race 2052_351bb2-59> |
Stage 21 2052_a13e6c-02> | Mantes-la-Ville > Paris Champs-Élysées (120 km) 2052_35640f-82> | The Big Finale 2052_b34899-cf> |
🛑 Stages to Survive
- Stage 5 (33 km ITT Caen)
Bahrain’s TT game isn’t built for this — damage limitation mode. - Stage 13 (11 km TT Loudenvielle to Peyragudes)
Too short to hurt too badly, but can’t lose focus.
“If there’s chaos, crosswinds, or a gap up the road — Bahrain Victorious will be in it, setting the race on fire.”
Bahrain Victorious’ Tactics & Strategy Playbook
When it comes to Tour de France warfare, Bahrain Victorious isn’t about playing it safe. They thrive on unpredictability, last-minute raids, and chaotic descents that leave the peloton scrambling.
Here’s their tactical blueprint for 2025:
Breakaways, Long-Range Raids & Opportunistic Chaos
Matej Mohorič — the Slovenian maestro of downhill madness — will be the tip of the spear in breakaways. Look for him on medium mountain stages, hilly transitional days, and after the rest days when the peloton’s legs are heavy.
Fred Wright and Lenny Martinez are wildcard assassins. Expect them to sneak into early moves on rolling stages or hit the front in late-race ambushes when GC teams hesitate.
Key Game Plan:
- Target long-range moves on Stage 2, 7, 10, 12, and 16
- Use multiple riders up the road to outnumber rivals
- Attack on technical descents and crosswind sections
GC Protection for Buitrago & Haig
Santiago Buitrago is Bahrain’s great GC hope for 2025. The Colombian climber will aim for a Top 10 overall finish, with Jack Haig serving as his mountain lieutenant and insurance policy.
GC Game Plan:
- Stick with the main group on big summit finishes
- Avoid time losses on Stage 5 (33km ITT) and crosswind stages
- Seize opportunities in selective mountain breakaways
- Deploy domestiques (Gradek, Stannard) to shepherd Buitrago through danger zones
Sprint Setups for Phil Bauhaus
While not a top-tier pure sprinter, Phil Bauhaus can sneak a win when the field is reduced or chaotic.
Sprint Game Plan:
- Focus on Stage 1, 8, 9, and the Champs-Élysées
- Use Wright and Mohorič for late lead-outs
- Capitalize when big sprint trains are depleted or disrupted
Tactical Flexibility — Bahrain’s Hidden Edge
Few squads pivot mid-stage better than Bahrain Victorious. DS Gorazd Štangelj isn’t afraid to switch plans when weather, breakaways, or GC crashes strike.
Expect bold decisions like:
- Sending climbers into early moves to disrupt rival tactics
- Attacking on descents (Mohorič’s specialty)
- Hunting for bonus seconds at intermediate sprints for GC insurance
Team Gear: Bikes, Gadgets & 2025 Tech ⚙️
When Bahrain Victorious rolls up to the start line of the Tour de France, they’re armed with some of the most advanced race tech in the peloton. This isn’t your Sunday group ride setup — this is precision, innovation, and marginal gains boiled down into blood-red bikes and Tour-only gear.
The Warhorses: Bikes of Bahrain Victorious
At the heart of their arsenal? Merida race machines — built for mountain assaults, high-speed sprints, and technical descents that chew up pretenders.
Race Bikes for the 2025 Tour:
- Merida Reacto Team-E – Their aero weapon for flat stages and sprint leadouts. Expect Phil Bauhaus to rip up fast finishes aboard this.
- Merida Scultura Team – Lightweight, responsive, and designed for lung-busting ascents. This is the trusted ride for Buitrago Santiago and Jack Haig on summit finales.

Groupsets, Wheels & Performance Weapons
Bahrain isn’t chasing trends — they’re chasing podiums. Here’s what they’re bolting onto those bikes:
Component 2052_d8532f-5b> | Brand/Model 2052_4b1101-22> | Notes 2052_5cd6ca-9e> |
|---|---|---|
Groupset 2052_c71876-71> | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (12-speed) 2052_84f8dc-a3> | Electronic shifting with flawless precision 2052_7bed0b-16> |
Wheels 2052_1d0085-9a> | Vision Metron 55/45 2052_136a0b-a4> | Aero-optimized for speed and stiffness 2052_b3d6bf-a9> |
Power Meters 2052_e9a943-8c> | Shimano dual-sided 2052_88423b-b9> | Critical for pacing on alpine stages 2052_bd7cce-17> |
Cockpit 2052_5534be-3a> | Vision Metron aero bars 2052_a30838-66> | Integrated for max aero gains and stiffness 2052_08739c-90> |
Tyres 2052_2aa816-9c> | Continental GP5000 TT/TR 2052_759548-5f> | Tubeless for lower rolling resistance 2052_70c7e7-82> |






New for 2025:
- Custom aero tweaks on the Reacto seatpost and downtube for reduced drag.
- Integrated hydration systems for select mountain stages.
Tour-Only Tech & Secret Marginal Gains
Bahrain’s performance team isn’t just relying on stock spec. At the Tour, you’ll see:
- Tour-specific paint schemes for weight-saving and heat-dissipation.
- Custom ice vests and cooling gloves for July’s heatwaves.
- Special ceramic oversized pulley wheels for drivetrain efficiency.
- Onboard real-time telemetry gadgets for DS communication and live power, HR, and climb data.
Insider Buzz:
Rumors in the paddock suggest Bahrain’s TT bikes will feature 3D-printed cockpit extensions tailored to each rider’s aero profile. Marginal gains game: savage.
📊 2025 Bahrain Victorious Tour Tech Table
Rider 2052_32b923-f8> | Primary Bike 2052_fc79fb-34> | Sprint/Mountain Setup 2052_b146ca-63> | Notable Gadgets/Upgrades 2052_eea09f-c9> |
|---|---|---|---|
Buitrago Santiago 2052_29fdd9-ff> | Merida Scultura Team 2052_0fe37a-a1> | Mountain 2052_201115-82> | Dual-sided power meter, ice vest 2052_7e2a9b-dc> |
Jack Haig 2052_d73dcb-87> | Merida Scultura Team 2052_50816f-11> | Mountain 2052_47f2a0-25> | Custom aero bars, telemetry unit 2052_9d1060-b8> |
Matej Mohorič 2052_e9d930-a7> | Merida Reacto Team-E 2052_16183f-37> | Aero/Breakaway 2052_55f25a-0c> | Oversized pulleys, ceramic bearings 2052_d40557-a1> |
Phil Bauhaus 2052_6a2e97-70> | Merida Reacto Team-E 2052_c9b237-ad> | Sprint 2052_7c2b03-b4> | Sprint-specific gearing, tubeless GP5000 TT 2052_bbe799-6e> |
Fred Wright 2052_43e67a-ff> | Reacto/Scultura swap-in 2052_f0e02a-f7> | Breakaway/all-round 2052_86a714-12> | Real-time telemetry, aero cockpit tweaks 2052_e00290-78> |
Bahrain‘s Sponsors & Partnerships 💰
In the cutthroat world of WorldTour racing, no team survives — let alone thrives — without serious backing. Bahrain Victorious isn’t just a cycling squad; it’s a rolling brand built on deep-pocket partnerships, tech collaborations, and national pride.
Let’s crack open the wallet and see who’s fueling this Tour de France charge.
🏆 Title Sponsors: The Power Behind the Pedals
Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)
The team’s primary title sponsor, representing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s global sports initiative. It’s not just about exposure — it’s about building a narrative around elite performance, national identity, and international sport diplomacy.
Victorious Gaming
A rising e-sports and digital entertainment brand, adding a modern, tech-forward edge to the team’s image. Expect crossover promotions, social media collabs, and jersey giveaways targeting younger fanbases.
Official Equipment & Tech Partners
Merida Bikes
Bahrain’s weapon manufacturer. Supplying both the Reacto and Scultura race machines, customized down to the bolt for Tour stages. Their partnership goes beyond supply — Merida’s R&D team works closely with Bahrain’s performance staff for continual upgrades.
Shimano
The drivetrain giant behind those flawless Dura-Ace Di2 systems and dual-sided power meters. Tech support trucks shadow the team for on-the-fly service.
Vision / FSA
Aero wheels, cockpits, and TT cockpit systems — designed for minimal drag and max watt transfer. Expect Vision Metron wheels to feature heavily on sprint and mountain stages.
Continental Tyres
Tour-winning GP5000 TT/TR tubeless setups for ultimate grip and rolling resistance balance.
Performance & Nutrition Partners
Enervit
Official nutrition partner, providing energy gels, bars, isotonic drinks, and recovery products. Known for tailoring nutrition strategies stage-by-stage, including hot-weather hydration protocols.
Elite
Bahrain’s bottle cage and trainer partner. Supplies lightweight, aerodynamic bottle cages and indoor trainers for warm-ups and post-stage flush rides.
🆕 2025 New Collaborations
Oakley
Official eyewear sponsor for 2025, bringing custom photochromic and PRIZM lenses for diverse Tour conditions. Expect bespoke frame colors for key riders like Matej Mohorič and Buitrago Santiago.
Pirelli (Support Partnership)
Though not a full tyre partner, Pirelli is expected to collaborate with Bahrain on prototype tyre tech testing during the Tour’s rest days and training rides.
📊 Bahrain Victorious 2025 Sponsors Overview
Category 2052_2473b8-03> | Partner Name 2052_19ea14-0b> | Role in 2025 Tour 2052_e9805d-85> |
|---|---|---|
Title Sponsor 2052_abe1fb-0e> | Bahrain EDB 2052_ad693c-00> | Principal financial backer, national exposure 2052_b7fc92-27> |
Co-Title Sponsor 2052_0564b8-ee> | Victorious Gaming 2052_dd1ee6-d1> | Digital and e-sports brand, fan activation 2052_6368ac-f8> |
Bike Supplier 2052_0f22bb-60> | Merida 2052_f722ca-05> | Reacto & Scultura race bikes 2052_061186-6f> |
Groupset partner 2052_e137dd-7e> | Shimano 2052_cba276-12> | Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain, power meters 2052_13c0c8-34> |
Wheels/Cockpit 2052_49bf74-14> | Vision/FSA 2052_883197-c1> | Metron wheels, aero bars 2052_0e8ff3-fe> |
Tyres 2052_2a33b8-b9> | Continental 2052_f0b96f-c9> | GP5000 TT/TR tubeless tyres 2052_c3f8a5-c4> |
Nutrition 2052_0c073f-59> | Enervit 2052_66073a-3f> | Gels, hydration, recovery products 2052_4fc42e-9a> |
Eyewear (New) 2052_f5deb1-27> | Oakley 2052_2727a6-2d> | Official sunglasses and optics 2052_17286b-63> |
Trainer/Bottle Cages 2052_27c15b-ce> | Elite 2052_6cea60-eb> | Turbo trainers and bottle systems 2052_5f7491-a0> |
The Leadership: Who’s Calling the Shots?
A Tour de France team is only as sharp as the generals behind the radios — and Bahrain Victorious packs plenty of tactical brainpower. This isn’t a one-man show, it’s a multi-tiered leadership structure, built to react fast and hit harder.
The Man on the Car Radio: Gorazd Štangelj
At the heart of Bahrain’s Tour command center is DS (Directeur Sportif) Gorazd Štangelj, a Slovenian cycling sage with a reputation for aggressive racing and last-minute curveballs.
Štangelj’s calling cards:
- Loves sending riders up the road early
- Known for opportunistic, downhill attacks (classic Mohorič playbook)
- Embraces tactical risk when other DSs play it safe
He’s the architect behind Bahrain’s 2021 double-stage haul and 2023 mountain raid coups — and in 2025, expect even bolder moves.
Road Captains: The On-Bike Tacticians
When the race is too chaotic for car radios, the road captains take over. For 2025:
- Jack Haig — mountain stage coordinator, GC protector, and voice of calm in summit slugfests
- Fred Wright — breakaway general and sprint day strategist
- Matej Mohorič — the man for descents, chaos, and opportunistic raids
These three read race dynamics in real time and make the pivot calls when crashes, splits, or weather chaos hits.
Bahrain’s Tactical Edge: Why It Matters
In modern Tours, decisions aren’t made in the team bus — they’re forged in the race’s stormiest moments. Bahrain Victorious’ leadership structure excels at:
- Switching plans on the fly
- Exploiting rivals’ hesitation
- Empowering road captains to act without waiting for the car
That’s how they’ve snatched unexpected stage wins in years past — and why they’re a constant wildcard.
The Unsung Heroes: Bahrain’s Support Crew 🤫
Behind every audacious breakaway and heroic podium shot is a small army keeping the wheels turning, muscles firing, and minds focused. Bahrain Victorious’ support staff is a precision machine — and here’s why they matter more than ever at the 2025 Tour.
Soigneurs: The Healing Hands of the Tour
The soigneurs are the massage therapists, nutritionists, and all-around life savers who get riders patched up and primed for battle.
What they do:
- Post-stage massages to flush out lactic acid
- Ice baths and recovery rituals
- Prep personalized pre-race and post-race meals
- Patch up road rash, bruises, and Tour-worn bodies
For Bahrain Victorious, soigneurs play a huge role, especially after rough mountain stages where riders like Haig and Buitrago need to bounce back quickly.
Mechanics: The Bike Whisperers
A Tour de France mechanic is part surgeon, part engineer, and part magician. Bahrain’s crew works overnight shifts to keep Merida Scultura / Reacto bikes flawless.
Their mission:
- Swap chainrings for mountain vs. sprint stages
- Fine-tune brake discs and power meters
- Repair crash damage before dawn
- Test Tour-only aero tweaks and gear combos
One loose bolt or misaligned derailleur could blow a GC bid — these guys are the silent guardians against mechanical heartbreak.
Nutritionists & Performance Coaches
Nutrition wins Tours. Bahrain Victorious runs a data-driven fueling program where every calorie, gel, and bottle is calculated.
Their approach:
- Race-day menus customized by weather and altitude
- Mid-stage fuel bags (musettes) tailored per rider needs
- Precision carb-loading ahead of mountain stages
- Hydration protocols during extreme heat
This staff keeps Bauhaus’s sprint legs sharp and Buitrago fueled for summit slogs.
🚛 Logistics Magicians: The Invisible Organizers
In a race moving across France daily, logistics staff keep the operation seamless:
- Securing team hotels close to stage starts/finishes
- Organizing transfers, kit deliveries, laundry runs
- Setting up feed zones mid-stage
- Managing VIP hospitality and fan meetups
Without them, the entire Tour campaign would collapse under its own weight.
Bahrain’s Road to the 2025 Tour
You don’t just show up at the Tour de France — you earn your place in the peloton’s elite through a season of battle-hardened racing. Here’s how Bahrain Victorious has carved their path to July’s grandest stage.
🏆 Season Recap: Wins, Breakaways & Hard Lessons
2025’s been a classic Bahrain campaign — bold attacks, surprise podiums, and some gut-wrenching setbacks.
Notable Highlights:
- Matej Mohorič stunned everyone at Strade Bianche with a solo raid worthy of Tour stage nostalgia.
- Fred Wright grabbed a gritty win at Dwars door Vlaanderen, proving he’s a breakaway assassin.
- Buitrago Santiago claimed GC podiums at Tour of the Alps and Critérium du Dauphiné, confirming his climbing form.
- Jack Haig rode consistently at Paris-Nice, with solid GC top 10s that build confidence for July.
Tough Calls:
- A couple of near misses at Milano-Sanremo and Amstel Gold Race where the final kick was missing.
- Illness saw Phil Bauhaus miss key sprint prep races but he’s back on track post-Baloise Belgium Tour.
Key Tour Warm-Ups & Classics
Bahrain’s Tour contenders sharpened their weapons at these battle-hardened events:
Race 2052_8a659e-24> | Top Bahrain Performers 2052_53678e-a9> | Result 2052_ad9b4a-60> |
|---|---|---|
Tour of the Alps 2052_0d73a6-db> | Buitrago Santiago 2052_951882-46> | 3rd Overall 2052_2857dd-a8> |
Critérium du Dauphiné 2052_5647b3-53> | Buitrago, Haig 2052_d075ce-e3> | Top 10 GC, Stage Top 5s 2052_a1f26f-94> |
Strade Bianche 2052_198536-9a> | Mohorič 2052_9010a3-69> | 1st 2052_21233c-e9> |
Dwars door Vlaanderen 2052_d99cc6-45> | Fred Wright 2052_039d05-65> | 1st 2052_de89cb-3b> |
Baloise Belgium Tour 2052_ca618f-39> | Bauhaus 2052_2dbfc8-55> | 2x Sprint Top 3 2052_beb71d-3c> |
They’ve ticked the big boxes: mountain form ✅ sprint speed ✅ classics toughness ✅
Bahrain Victorious’ Tour de France Track Record
Since their Tour de France debut as Bahrain-Merida in 2017, this squad has built a reputation for unpredictability, grit, and bold breakaways. While they’ve never contended for the final yellow jersey, their strength lies in snatching opportunistic stage wins and throwing Tour scripts out the window.
This isn’t a team that waits for permission — they light the fuse.
🏆 Best Moments & Iconic Highlights
2021 — The Breakaway Summer
- Matej Mohorič stole the show with two explosive stage wins (Stages 7 & 19). His defiant zipping of the lips after Stage 7 became one of the Tour’s most iconic images of the decade.
- Wout Poels wore the Polka Dot Jersey deep into the final week, igniting the KOM battle like a wildfire
2019 — Debut GC Top 10 Threat
- Dylan Teuns claimed an emotional solo win atop La Planche des Belles Filles (Stage 6), marking Bahrain’s first ever Tour stage victory.
- Vincenzo Nibali, in his final seasons of peak form, staged aggressive mountain raids.
2023 — Sprint Redemption
- Phil Bauhaus secured multiple top-5 finishes in flat sprints, proving the team’s versatility beyond breakaway days.
📊 Bahrain Victorious Tour de France Historical Results
Year 2052_e2292f-5f> | Best GC Finish 2052_b5969b-fb> | Stage Wins 2052_aa7b88-1d> | Jerseys Won 2052_f176df-50> | Iconic Moments 2052_dbb307-1a> |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 2052_5ab230-38> | 22nd (Ion Izagirre) 2052_443b43-a0> | 0 2052_1d5175-b2> | 0 2052_e22b54-2c> | First Tour participation 2052_8e1e9d-74> |
2018 2052_a04f65-00> | 16th (Domenico Pozzovivo) 2052_2e9df1-bd> | 0 2052_4ee586-8c> | 0 2052_61d193-82> | Teuns top 10 mountain finishes 2052_362415-b3> |
2019 2052_a0106e-af> | 14th (Vincenzo Nibali) 2052_ab0f17-7f> | 1 2052_ac81fd-37> | 0 2052_65fc66-1f> | Teuns Stage 6 win 2052_b39f0f-bc> |
2020 2052_951a35-f2> | 20th (Damiano Caruso) 2052_fce180-59> | 0 2052_a64de3-75> | 0 2052_01e66f-e4> | Resilient team performance in tough Tour 2052_4c3bf5-e1> |
2021 2052_83b129-e5> | 13th (Pello Bilbao) 2052_fc7130-c6> | 3 (Mohorič x2, Teuns) 2052_35adfe-f6> | Polka Dot (until Stage 20) 2052_d45d9f-be> | Breakaway kings 2052_349900-60> |
2022 2052_841190-0b> | 18th (Jack Haig DNF early) 2052_2bd5ef-51> | 0 2052_249292-e8> | 0 2052_4c8998-cc> | Mohorič animates breakaways 2052_bee919-f9> |
2023 2052_cc59fb-6d> | 24th (Fred Wright) 2052_1be91a-76> | 0 2052_1b78d9-e4> | 0 2052_4f508e-0f> | Bauhaus sprint podiums 2052_965366-90> |
📈 The Breakaway DNA
Few squads execute long-range raids like Bahrain Victorious. Whether it’s Mohorič descending like a lunatic, Fred Wright launching a kamikaze move in the crosswinds, or Buitrago hunting mountain stages — their Tour playbook reads like a thriller.
Expect this mentality to stay lethal in 2025.
Bahrain Victorious 2025 Tour de France Goals & Insider Predictions 🔮
Bahrain Victorious rolls into the 2025 Tour de France with one of the most tactically versatile line-ups in the WorldTour. No GC favorite, but plenty of cards to play — breakaway raiders, sprint snipers, and opportunists who thrive in chaos.
Let’s dissect their ambitions, likely strategies, and a few sharp insider predictions you won’t read in the press releases.
Official 2025 Tour de France Goals
Team DS Gorazd Štangelj made no secret of the squad’s intentions pre-Tour:
- Stage Wins: At least two victories — one from the mountains via Matej Mohorič or Santiago Buitrago, one from a fast finish with Phil Bauhaus.
- Top 10 GC for Santiago Buitrago: The 24-year-old Colombian climber continues his steady ascent. The team’s plan? Protect him through the crosswinds, hide him on flat stages, then unleash him in the Pyrenees.
- Breakaway Domination: Riders like Fred Wright and Robert Stannard will flood the day’s moves — hunting mountain points, intermediate sprints, and media exposure.
- Combativity Award: Bahrain loves a showman, and you can expect Mohorič or Wright to chase this iconic red number.
📊 Quick Prediction Table
Rider 2052_759b20-e2> | Target 2052_7eca19-f5> | Prediction 2052_970fb2-34> |
|---|---|---|
Santiago Buitrago 2052_79064d-15> | Top 10 GC Finish 2052_1fe1c2-e5> | 9th Overall (big in the Pyrenees) 2052_55e909-e9> |
Matej Mohorič 2052_d2e66e-22> | Stage Win 2052_cccaf2-47> | Wins a mountain descent stage 2052_588d6c-bd> |
Phil Bauhaus 2052_2cf501-d6> | Sprint Podiums 2052_46b723-ef> | 1 podium, no stage win 2052_0cb1b8-75> |
Fred Wright 2052_5434b1-85> | Breakaway Hero 2052_ab3ed3-4b> | 1 top-3 from a breakaway 2052_4ce327-69> |
Team Overall 2052_75c7bb-02> | Combativity Prize 2052_623aae-0f> | At least 1 daily red number 2052_83c6af-03> |
Insider Predictions & Tactical Gambits
🔥 Bold Call #1: Mohorič will target a medium-mountain stage on Stage 14 or 16 — likely attacking on a technical descent where few can match his nerve or skill.
🔥 Bold Call #2: Buitrago will suffer on early medium-mountain stages but surge in the final Pyrenean block, finishing 9th overall after a gutsy long-range attack on Stage 19.
🔥 Dark Horse Watch: Keep an eye on Robert Stannard. Quietly brilliant in punchy terrain, perfect for a chaotic transitional stage where big GC teams ease off.
🔥 Sprint Wildcard: If Bauhaus misses a key sprint train, expect Fred Wright to opportunistically freelance for a sneaky top-5 on a reduced sprint.
🔥 The Secret Tech Edge:Word from inside the peloton — Bahrain has been testing pressure-adjustable tires and enhanced descending telemetry systems on descents. Could explain Mohorič’s insane descending confidence.
FAQs: Team Bahrain Essentials
Fan Engagement & Roadside Madness
The Tour de France isn’t just a race — it’s a traveling, three-week carnival. And Bahrain Victorious knows exactly how to work the crowd, both online and on the tarmac. From social media showdowns to roadside antics, they’ve turned fan interaction into an art form.
Here’s how they’re firing up fans in 2025:
Social Media Antics & Viral Moments
Bahrain Victorious’ social media team has evolved into one of the sharpest, most irreverent voices in the peloton:
- Behind-the-scenes vlogs with Matej Mohorič’s “Descent Diaries”
- Jack Haig’s post-stage debriefs — raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest
- “Guess the Watts” power data challenges on Instagram stories
- Daily meme drops and hilarious reels featuring team soigneurs, mechanics, and wild transfers
Fan Poll: Who would win a team car karaoke contest? (Spoiler: it’s Fred Wright.)
🎁 Jersey Giveaways & Fan Contests
Nothing lights up a Tour roadside crowd like free kit — and Bahrain Victorious delivers:
- Limited-edition 2025 fan caps and flags thrown from the team car
- Pre-stage photo contests with VIP zone passes up for grabs
- Mohorič signed bottles and sprint-point giveaways
- New for 2025: “Paint Your Town Red” contest — fans dressing their town or campsite in Bahrain Victorious colors win a custom team jersey pack
Roadside Fan Zones & Carnage
The team has set up official Bahrain Victorious fan points along key mountain stages and sprint towns:
- Free coffee and pastries pre-stage
- Cowbell giveaways and selfie ops with retired legends like Heinrich Haussler
- Live DJ sets at selected feed zones on big mountain days
- Evening BBQ meetups near iconic climbs like Col du Galibier
Want to meet your favourite rider or enjoy the full race with your like mind community, get there with our detailed stage guides.
How to Follow the Action
Want to track the chaos? Here’s where to plug in:
- 📸 Instagram: @BahrainVictorious
- 🐦 X (Twitter): @BHRVictorious
- 🎥 YouTube Series: “Tour Tactics & Team Bus Banter”
- 📱 Official Tour de France App: live rider tracking, exclusive content from the Bahrain squad
Want to enjoy the full coverage of the 2025 Tour de France Stay connected with our socials, see where to watch every stage live — find your country in our complete Tour de France 2025 broadcast guide.
Conclusion: Why Bahrain – Victorious Will Set 2025’s Tour on Fire
When you line up a squad this stacked, armed with a fearless playbook and a habit for last-gasp breakaways, you don’t come to the Tour to blend in — you come to torch the script.
Bahrain – Victorious isn’t just chasing results; they’re chasing chaos. From Santiago Buitrago’s steady GC ambitions to Matej Mohorič’s audacious raids, this team knows exactly how to punch above its weight, destabilize the big hitters, and make every stage feel like a powder keg.
Phil Bauhaus will rip it up on the flats.
Lenny Martínez will swing punches on the medium mountains.
Jack Haig will marshal the troops in the Alps and Pyrenees.
And if the weather turns, if the crosswinds howl, or if a rival GC contender stumbles — this team’s already waiting in the wings to strike.
Their Formula for 2025:
- Target smart breakaways
- Protect Buitrago through the gauntlet
- Unleash Bauhaus in sprints
- And gamble hard when it counts
They’re not out here to ride anonymous — they’re here to grab headlines.
Follow them. Cheer them. Expect fireworks.
Because if one thing’s certain in this Tour: when Bahrain – Victorious lights the fuse… you don’t look away.

