Caruso: Nibali`s call persuaded me to join Bahrain Merida
(Cyclingnews.com)

After four years with BMC Racing, Damiano Caruso will reunite with Vincenzo Nibali. The pair rode together earlier in their careers at Liquigas and Cannondale before going their separate ways, but Nibali`s personal intervention during contract negotiations earlier this summer persuaded Caruso to sign for Bahrain Merida on a two-year deal. Caruso has forged a career for himself as one of the most respected and valued riders in the peloton. Although not a prolific winner he has been highly consistent throughout his years in the sport and in some regards is the perfect WorldTour specimen - a rider who can gain valuable WorldTour points, while also working in the services of others during key points in the season. For the 30-year-old, however the chance to win a Grand Tour with Nibali was a major draw in moving to Bahrain Merida after the uncertain summer at BMC Racing. `I was a teammate with him at Liquigas. It`s nice that we work together. I`ve never won a big Tour with a leader. That`s my dream, and to do it with Vincenzo. Over the last four years I`ve tried with Richie and van Garderen but it`s never happened. Maybe next year or the year after I`ll reach that goal,` Caruso told Cyclingnews during a brief sit-down interview at the Canadian WorldTour races in Quebec and Montreal.ADVERTISEMENT `I`ve found a new motivation but I`ve always wanted to give 100 per cent, whether it`s with Bahrain or previous teams. Vincenzo tipped the balance when it came to deciding my future. When he called me and he said that he needed me to join it was a proud moment.` Caruso will of course link up with Nibali before they both pull on Bahrain Merida kit in 2019. The two Italian swill be in the national team for the UCI Road World Championships, with Caruso likely to play a key support role as Nibali hopes to challenge for the rainbow jersey in Austria. Nibali`s preparation for the Worlds has not been ideal. He crashed out of the Tour de France and sustained a serious back injur ...