Egan Bernal: "I am still recovering from a knee injury myself and hope to race again soon"

Egan Bernal has had a strong and positive start to the season, however a nagging knee injury is currently holding the Colombian back. He's had to miss out on the national championships, but has nevertheless commented on the race won by Esteban Chaves.

“How exciting the national championships were! I want to congratulate Esteban on his victory and Daniel [Martínez] and Nairo [Quintana] for their podium finishes," Bernal said in a social media post shared following the race. "I am still recovering from a knee injury myself and hope to race again soon.”

Bernal was set to finish fourth at the Vuelta a San Juan but abandoned in the final day of the race with knee pain, justified by a crash on the opening day. He was planned to race the national championships before travelling to Europe, but with priority on his recovery he's decided not to take part in the hilly race, which was won by Chaves ahead of Bernal's teammate Daniel Martínez.

Although for the time being the injury isn't a big reason for concern, the trip to Europe will soon come and Bernal's presence at the Vuelta a Andalucia, which was initially scheduled, is not confirmed as INEOS look to make the best decision taking into consideration his health.