INEOS Grenadiers making moves - Egan Bernal could sign new contract until 2030

INEOS Grenadiers has spent huge resources this past winter to sign Oscar Onley from Team Picnic PostNL, and there are big questions on what the team's GC block will look like beyond 2026. There are plenty big names, and a few are ending their contract. One such is Egan Bernal, however, it is possible that the Colombian will sign a new long-term contract soon.

According to Daniel Benson, one of the best-informed journalists in the transfer market, the 2019 Tour de France and 2021 Giro d’Italia winner is on the verge of signing a four-year extension with the British team. In other words, only the official announcement remains for Bernal to continue with INEOS through the 2030 season.

Bernal is a rider that found his best level with the British team, and a rider who was supported by INEOS after his accident in 2022 which almost ended his life. After several years of recovery and getting back to his best level, Bernal is once again consistent and able to put on strong performances. However, the climbing level in the peloton is quite superior at the moment. Whilst he raced a strong Giro d'Italia from start to finish, he had to settle for a 7th place in the overall classification, alongside a stage win at the Vuelta a España.

With Oscar Onley, Kévin Vauquelin, Thymen Arensman and Carlos Rodríguez all present in the team, the Colombian has a lot of internal competition to find leadership. Hence, a long-term contract would come as great news for his future. He is 29, so the new contract would run until he is 33. It would likely be the last major deal of his career. INEOS Grenadiers are convinced he can still deliver big results.

Rumours for weeks have suggested Bernal will shoulder general classification duties at the Giro d'Italia in 2026, whilst Onley and Vauquelin target the Tour de France. It is not yet clear where Thymen Arensman and Carlos Rodríguez will be racing.