Egan Bernal

Egan Arley Bernal Gómez was born on January 13, 1997, in Bogotá, Colombia. He grew up in the town of Zipaquirá, a municipality located about an hour's drive from Bogotá. From a young age, Egan showed a keen interest in cycling, which was inspired by his father, a recreational cyclist. His talent became apparent early on, and he quickly progressed through the ranks of competitive cycling.

Egan Bernal joined Team Sky in 2018, which was later rebranded as Ineos Grenadiers. Joining the British WorldTour team marked a significant step in his career, providing him with the support and infrastructure to compete in grand tours. At Team Sky, Bernal had the opportunity to learn from some of the best riders and team staff, which played a crucial role in his development as a top-tier cyclist.

In 2019, ahead of his breakthrough Tour de France victory, Egan Bernal showcased his potential by winning the Tour de Suisse. This victory was a crucial indicator of his form and ability to perform at the highest level. The tour, known for its challenging mountainous routes, provided Bernal with the perfect platform to develop his climbing skills further and set him up for future successes.

On July 28, 2019, Egan Bernal became the first Colombian cyclist to win the Tour de France. At just 22 years old, he was also the youngest winner in 110 years. Bernal's victory was historic for Colombia, a country passionate about cycling, and marked the first time a South American cyclist won the prestigious Grand Tour. His win was a landmark achievement and propelled him to global stardom.

In August 2020, Egan Bernal demonstrated his exceptional climbing abilities and form by winning the overall classification of La Route d'Occitanie, a stage race in southwest France. This victory was a build-up to his defense of the Tour de France title, showcasing his readiness to compete at the highest level. His performance included a stage win on a mountainous route, confirming his status among the top GC riders.

Egan Bernal withdrew from the 2020 Tour de France during stage 17. Despite starting the race as one of the favorites, Bernal had been struggling with back pain, which severely affected his performance. His withdrawal marked a difficult moment in his career as the young champion had been unable to defend his title, but his determination to return stronger was evident in subsequent interviews and statements.

On May 30, 2021, Egan Bernal secured victory in the Giro d'Italia, becoming the second Colombian to win the race and solidifying his reputation as one of the best Grand Tour cyclists. The 2021 Giro was a battle of attrition, but Bernal displayed strategic nous and strength, especially in the mountain stages, to clinch the pink jersey. His success in Italy added to his impressive palmarès.

In June 2021, following his Giro win, Egan Bernal continued his dominant form by winning the Tour de Savoie Mont-Blanc. This victory served as confirmation of his excellent condition and resilience. Despite the shadow of previous injuries, Bernal's performance was a testament to his tactical acuity and strength as a climber, further solidifying his status as one of cycling's premier talents.

On January 24, 2022, Egan Bernal suffered a life-threatening crash during a training ride in Colombia. The accident led to multiple injuries, including fractures in his spine, femur, and kneecap, as well as a punctured lung. His condition was critical, and he underwent several surgeries. The cycling community rallied around him, offering support and encouragement for his recovery.

In a testament to his resilience, Egan Bernal returned to competitive racing in May 2023, following his serious accident in 2022. At the Tour of Norway, he showcased determination and courage, competing among the world's best cyclists despite his previous injuries. This marked a significant milestone in his recovery and demonstrated his intention to return to the upper echelons of the sport.