Bernal’s Vuelta Comeback: More Than Just a race
PAL, Andorra – For Egan Bernal, the finish line of stage 6 at the Vuelta a España wasn’t just another checkpoint; it was a personal triumph. The 2019 Tour de France champion, four years removed from a life-altering crash, crossed the line amidst the GC favorites, a mere 22 seconds behind Jonas Vingegaard in the overall standings. But the real celebration began after, with heartfelt embraces shared with his partner and closest friends, including former teammate Iván Sosa, at the Andorran summit.
“It feels marvelous to be here where I am right now,” Bernal beamed, reflecting on the arduous journey of the last four years. His quiet determination to revive his career after a near-fatal accident in 2022 has been nothing short of inspiring.
Bernal’s Vuelta campaign began with a solid performance at the Giro d’Italia, where he finished seventh, his best grand tour result since the crash. He navigated the opening stages of the Vuelta with resilience, and the Ineos Grenadiers’ strong showing in Wednesday’s team time trial kept him within striking distance. On Thursday, he proved he coudl hold his own with the top contenders.
Bernal’s resurgence is a testament to his unwavering spirit. “I keep dreaming, because hope is the last thing that you lose,” he affirmed. As he looks ahead to the summit finale in Cerler, the cycling world watches with bated breath, wondering if Bernal’s legs can carry him as far as his dreams.
