Santiago Buitrago Secures Solo Victory at 2026 Trofeo Laigueglia
LAIGUEGLIA, 04 March 2026 – Colombian climber Santiago Buitrago has claimed a prestigious victory at the 63rd edition of the Trofeo Laigueglia, launching a decisive solo attack to master the rugged Ligurian terrain. The Bahrain Victorious rider crossed the finish line ahead of Frenchman Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ), who secured second place following his recent success in the Faun Drôme Classic.
A Gruelling Test on the Ligurian Coast
The 2026 edition of the Trofeo Laigueglia lived up to its reputation as the traditional “curtain-raiser” for the Italian spring classics. Spanning 192 kilometres, the route featured the iconic climbs of Capo Mele, Capo Berta, and the Cipressa, providing a tactical dress rehearsal for the upcoming Milan-San Remo. The race was defined by a high-tempo pace that thinned the peloton significantly before the final circuits in Laigueglia.
Buitrago’s victory came after a series of aggressive moves on the final climbs. While several favourites, including Richard Carapaz and Christian Scaroni, remained active in the closing stages, it was Buitrago who found the opening to distance himself from the lead group. Romain Grégoire led the chase but was unable to bridge the gap, eventually settling for the runner-up spot on the podium.
2026 Trofeo Laigueglia: Final Classification
| Position | Rider | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Santiago Buitrago | Bahrain Victorious |
| 2nd | Romain Grégoire | Groupama-FDJ |
| 3rd | Kamiel Bonneu | Team Flanders-Baloise |
| 4th | Christian Scaroni | XDS Astana Team |
Tactical Analysis and Absences
The race saw several notable absences and tactical shifts. American rider Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) was forced to withdraw from the event following knee surgery, a significant blow to his spring campaign. Meanwhile, UAE Team Emirates utilised the race to sharpen their form ahead of Strade Bianche, though they were unable to prevent Buitrago’s late-race surge.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Buitrago, confirming his status as one of the premier climbers in the professional peloton. For Romain Grégoire, the second-place finish continues a strong run of form as the WorldTour season moves toward the major monuments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 Trofeo Laigueglia?
The 2026 edition was won by Santiago Buitrago, who finished solo after 192 kilometres of racing.
What is the significance of the Trofeo Laigueglia?
It is a 1.Pro category race held annually in Liguria, Italy. It serves as a key preparation event for riders targeting Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche due to its hilly profile and technical descents.
Did Neilson Powless compete in the 2026 race?
No, Neilson Powless missed the race and will miss the remainder of the 2026 Spring Classics due to a recovery period following knee surgery.