Cycling: After more than seven years, Damiano Caruso has finally won a cycling race again. The Italian made it across the finish line just ahead of the peloton at the Circuito de Getxo one-day race in the Basque Country.
Caruso finally rewards himself
For many years, Damiano Caruso (Bahrain – McLaren) has been known as a strong climber and generally a good teammate. He is often part of the breakaway group in stage races and thus among the favorites for the stage win. However, he usually embodies the classic domestique role, supporting his team captain. Nevertheless, Damiano Caruso has achieved almost 200 top-10 finishes in his career. He has only won once, in 2013. Today, however, he finally won again. The Italian won the Basque one-day race Circuito de Getxo as a soloist. Behind him, the significantly reduced peloton was unable to close the gap in time. His compatriot Giacomo Nizzolo (NTT) did manage to sprint up to him, but couldn't get past. The podium is completed by Eduard Prades (Movistar) ahead of last year's winner Jon Aberasturi (Caja Rural – Seguros RGA) and the Belgian Jasper Stuyven (Trek – Segafredo).
In memory of the Otxoa brothers
The Circuito de Getxo, a one-day cycling race, starts and finishes in the Basque town of Getxo. It has been held since 1924. Past winners include Adrie van der Poel, Marcel Wüst, Martin Elmiger, Giovanni Visconti, Nacer Bouhanni, and Diego Ulissi. Following the tragic death of Ricardo Otxoa, the race was renamed the Ricardo Otxoa Memorial. The Spaniard and his twin brother, Javier Otxoa, were struck by a car during training and died at the scene. As a result of the collision, Javier Otxoa was in a coma for 65 days. He was forced to end his cycling career and pursued a career as a Paralympic athlete. He won gold medals at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games and became a multiple European champion. Since he succumbed to a serious illness in 2018, the race has been officially called Circuito de Getxo – Memorial Hermanos Otxoa in memory of both Otxoa brothers.
Victoria for Damiano Caruso at the Circuito de Getxo 2020. #CircuitoGetxo #Getxo pic.twitter.com/JkB9PLIGnc
— Dany Pro Cycling (@DanyProCycling) August 2, 2020