"I dreamt of doing the Tour and the Vuelta" - Egan Bernal looking to improve level even further at Vuelta a Espana

Egan Bernal is racing the Vuelta a Espana. He has returned to a competitive level this season, and whilst injuries temporarily saw the Tour de France as unlikely, the Colombian raced and completed the Grand Boucle. He now looks to solidify his level and test himself in Spain.

“I’m really happy to be selected for the Vuelta this year, I’m finishing off a good training block at home in Colombia and feeling super-motivated to get back out racing again," he said as INEOS Grenadiers revealed their '8' for the final Grand Tour of the season. "When I think back to the beginning of the year, I wasn’t sure where I was going to be at this point in time; I dreamt of doing the Tour and the Vuelta, so this selection means a lot."

Bernal has finished eighth at the Tour de Romandie and 12th at the Criterium du Dauphiné, showing some consistency and climbing capacity after the injuries he's suffered in 2022. It earned him a Tour selection, where he attempted to go for the GC but did not have the legs. Ultimately he supported Carlos Rodríguez in his fifth place. Bernal may have a similar role now in the Vuelta, with a team that has many cards, including Geraint Thomas.

The Colombian himself may be looking to test himself, and perhaps see a rise in his level. His selection is a clear indicator that when it comes to form and fatigue, the 26-year old is currently in a good place. “As you all know, it’s a long comeback process and I’m just so happy my body has improved so much that I’m going to take to the start line of another great three week race this year," he concluded.