Team Bahrain Victorious has announced that former professional rider Enrico Gasparotto will rejoin the team from the 2026 season, this time as a Sports Director.
Gasparotto previously raced for Bahrain Victorious in its early years between 2017 and 2018, where he played a key leadership role within the squad. Following his retirement from professional cycling in 2020, he transitioned into management and most recently served as Sports Director at Red Bull BORA Hansgrohe, working closely with some of the sport’s biggest names.
Now 43, the Swiss-born Italian returns to Bahrain Victorious with valuable experience and a deep understanding of the sport’s tactical and human aspects.
“I was part of the team when it was founded, and we visited the Kingdom of Bahrain where we had a unique and unforgettable experience,” said Gasparotto. “I have fond memories and I’m excited to be coming back in my new role. I’m grateful for this opportunity and the trust from Managing Director Milan Eržen. The team has come a long way since I was racing, and there are many new faces, which will make this next adventure even more interesting. I’m ready for this new chapter and hope I can bring my enthusiasm and passion for the sport to help the riders and the team achieve its goals.”
Photo Credit: BettiniPhotoManaging Director Milan Eržen added: “I’ve always had a great relationship with Gaspa, and we’re delighted to bring him back to the team. He was part of our story from the beginning, and his knowledge, energy, and experience will be invaluable in helping our riders achieve great things in the seasons ahead.”
Gasparotto’s appointment adds further depth to Bahrain Victorious’s growing team of Sports Directors as the organisation continues to invest in performance and leadership ahead of the 2026 season.
A respected figure in the peloton during his career, Gasparotto recorded ten professional victories, highlighted by two wins at the Amstel Gold Race in 2012 and 2016, alongside stage victories at Tirreno-Adriatico, the Volta a Catalunya, and the ZLM Tour, as well as the Italian national road race title in 2005.
Across a professional career that spanned more than fifteen years, he rode for teams including Liquigas, Astana, Wanty-Groupe Gobert, and NTT Pro Cycling, before concluding his racing days with Bahrain-Merida.
His tactical insight, multilingual background, and experience across both WorldTour and Pro Continental structures are expected to make him a key figure within Bahrain Victorious’s sporting leadership as the team looks toward its next phase of development.
