Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a goal, only to have it snatched away by a cruel twist of fate. That's the reality Santiago Buitrago faced after a devastating crash at the Tour de France. In a candid interview with CyclingUpToDate, Buitrago, a key leader for Bahrain - Victorious, shares the agonizing aftermath of the crash and his shifting focus towards the Giro d'Italia in 2026. This decision marks a significant change, especially considering the Tour's route might suit him better. But why the change? Let's dive in.
Buitrago's 2024 season started with a bang, securing a victory at the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana. This win, against strong contenders like João Almeida, hinted at a promising year ahead. He shared, "I always like to start the year strong." This victory was a testament to his dedication, especially since the race was held in an area where many top climbers train during the winter.
However, the road to success was far from smooth. A crash at Paris-Nice in March set the stage for a challenging spring. Despite a promising sixth-place finish at Flèche Wallonne, his luck didn't hold at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. "Then I went home to prepare for the Tour. I prepared in the best way, and I fell in the Tour and everything went backwards," he shares.
The turning point? It came during the 7th stage of the Tour. A high-speed crash during a descent brought Buitrago's race to a screeching halt. While he managed to continue, the impact took its toll. "I fell very badly," he recalls, describing the contusions he suffered. The pain was so intense that even the doctor wasn't sure he could continue. But Buitrago persevered, driven by his months of preparation and a deep desire to finish the race. "I wanted to finish the Tour de France, you know? I had prepared a lot and I didn't want to go home without trying," he explained.
Even a later attempt at the Vuelta a España didn't bring the desired results. Despite a fourth-place finish on stage 15, Buitrago acknowledged that he was "always close but I didn't win."
Now, looking ahead, Buitrago is setting his sights on the Giro d'Italia in 2026. This decision, as he explains, is strategic. "I have decided to go to the Giro because it has been two years going to the Tour. And the truth is that each year is more complicated." He wants to keep his options open for the second half of the season. His planned schedule includes the Tour Down Under, the Colombian national championship, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Volta a Catalunya, leading up to the Giro. Buitrago recognizes that the Tour's route this year would have been better suited to his strengths, but he's confident in his Giro strategy. He anticipates a demanding race with plenty of mountain stages.
But here's where it gets controversial... Buitrago's choice to focus on the Giro, despite the Tour's perceived suitability, raises a question: Is it better to chase a more achievable goal, even if it's not the 'perfect' race? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
