"I want to be on the podium again" - Egan Bernal and Geraint Thomas headline ambitious INEOS lineup in Catalunya

Egan Bernal has had a long comeback to the top of the cycling world, and perhaps his most impressive result in 2024 was his podium at the Volta a Catalunya where he joined Tadej Pogacar and Mikel Landa at the final podium. Despite having an injury disrupt his start to the season, he returns to Spain with the very same ambitions.

"I broke my collarbone and had surgery that same evening. However, the recovery after my crash was quick," Bernal said in a press release issued by the team. "I was lucky to have surgery by a good doctor and the next day my collarbone felt as if nothing had happened. I recovered quickly thanks to the medical team".

Bernal had a stellar start to the season back in Colombia, storming to a double victory at the national championships before making the trip to Europe. However in his first race day - the Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior - he crashed and fractured his collarbone. The Vuelta a Andalucia and Strade Bianche were removed from his schedule as a result.

Now, the Colombian returns to lead INEOS Grenadiers once again. "It is a race that I really like. I have ridden it every year that I could, and always with the same intention: to achieve a good classification. Last year I came third and this year I want to be on the podium again and fight for every stage together with my teammates, hoping to continue improving my form with a view to my next goals of the season".

It is a race for the pure climbers and one that will suit him. He will have the likes of Primoz Roglic and Juan Ayuso as his main rivals, men he will once again encounter at the Giro d'Italia later in May as well.

"There is no easy stage in the Volta. It may sound cliché, but it is true: you have to concentrate on one stage at a time. Monday's stage is already difficult, because there is usually a small peloton at the finish. Every stage is a challenge and we have to be prepared for that".

Laurens de Plus comes as a co-leader, whilst Geraint Thomas will be on domestique duties for the week. "Knowing that this is my last season makes everything special and easier to do. I just enjoy it, because we have a special life as professional athletes and professional cyclists, so I want to enjoy the last few months," the Welshman added. "After that, things get a bit more real in the real world. I'm looking forward to having some fun with the guys. We're going to try to be in the sprints with Axel, and we have Egan and Laurens de Plus for the climbs".

However, there is pressure on Thomas' shoulders to be taking a top result. "I feel a bit tired after Sanremo. It took me a while to fall asleep last night, with the caffeine and adrenaline from the race. I'm happy to be here. I've done this race a few times now and I just hope we have nice weather," he concluded.