Cristian Rodriguez joins Bahrain Victorious with Martinez

Bahrain Victorious have signed Cristian Rodriguez for the next two seasons, adding an experienced climber to the group supporting Lenny Martinez. The 31-year-old Spaniard is expected to provide a strong option in the mountains during Grand Tours, while retaining opportunities to pursue his own results.

Rodriguez is currently eighth overall at the Vuelta. This season, he finished second at the Tour of Oman, 19th at the Tour de Romandie and eighth at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Those results underline his value in stage races and help explain Bahrain Victorious’ decision to strengthen its climbing resources.

The move ends his brief spell with XDS Astana, which he joined for one season after the French TotalEnergies team stopped at the end of last season. He has also raced for Wilier Triestina-Selle Italia, Caja Rural and Arkéa-Samsic. Rodriguez has three professional victories: the 2021 Tour du Rwanda overall title and a stage there, plus the 2025 Mercan’Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes.

At Bahrain Victorious, he will join Martinez, fifth at the 2025 Tour de France, and 20-year-old Slovenian Jakob Omrzel, who recently won a Vuelta stage. Rodriguez has placed 20th at the 2025 Tour de France and 13th at both the 2023 and 2024 Vueltas, giving the team another experienced climber for leadership support or personal ambitions.