Egan Bernal "super happy to be racing again" after comeback to racing

The Tour of Denmark is a race that this year took an ever higher level of importance with the last-minute addition of Tour de France and Giro d'Italia winner Egan Bernal who's concluded an historical recovery to return to competition.

"I'm super happy to be racing again. I'm hoping to go all the way and help the team here. I'm just getting back into the rhythm. I am regaining my confidence," the Colombian told reporters at the end of the opening day. He finished the first stage over two minutes back, but has spent time in the head of the peloton keeping his INEOS Grenadiers teammates safe amidst what was a complicated stage with two mass crashes. 

After weeks of rumours about his return, Bernal literally anticipated all the races that had been hinted, to start the Danish race on the 16th of August. Less than seven months have passed since his near-fatal accident, but the Colombian is back on track and showing very positive signs.

"I almost died but I thank God for this test," he said emotionally. "After what happened to me in January this has been the moment I've been waiting for - to race with my team-mates again". Olav Kooij won the opening stage and will take to today's time-trial in the lead of the race.