“I always aim for victory” – Egan Bernal returns to racing at Tour of the Alps after disrupted 2026 start with INEOS Grenadiers

Egan Bernal returns to racing at the Tour of the Alps, bringing an end to a disrupted opening phase of his 2026 season and offering the first real indication of where his form stands ahead of the Giro d’Italia.

The INEOS Grenadiers leader has not competed since finishing seventh at the Faun-Ardèche Classic on February 28, with knee problems keeping him out of action throughout March. That absence came just weeks after he had retained his Colombian national road race title, a result that had pointed towards another step forward following his steady progress last season.

Speaking ahead of the opening stage, Bernal made clear that his focus is on rebuilding progressively after that early setback. “I’ve done a lot of training at altitude in Colombia, and I’m curious to assess my condition,” he said.

The Colombian remained at home during his recovery period, prioritising training as he managed the knee issue that halted his early campaign. “After the knee problem at the start of the season, I preferred to prepare at home and I’ll try to improve progressively stage by stage.”

That approach underlines a more measured build, with the emphasis placed on consistency and continuity after a stop-start beginning to the year.

Despite that cautious tone, Bernal’s ambition remains unchanged. “When you pin on a number, you always aim for victory: I’ll give my all,” he said.

The Tour of the Alps provides an immediate test, with a demanding route that will quickly expose where each rider stands. Bernal pointed to the decisive moments that lie ahead while keeping his focus on a steady progression. “Val Martello will be the toughest stage, but I have to think day by day, to try and do the best possible.”

It also marks a return to a race he has not contested in nearly a decade. “It’s been nine years since I last rode the Tour of the Alps, but I have very good memories,” he said.

With the Giro d’Italia approaching, Bernal’s return comes at a key moment in his season. The Tour of the Alps offers the first opportunity to build race rhythm after weeks away from competition, and to measure his level across consecutive days of climbing.

The coming stages will not define his Giro outright, but they will provide the clearest indication yet of how far he has progressed following a disrupted start to the year. For now, the key step has been taken: Bernal is back on the start line, and his 2026 campaign is finally underway again.