"If one day I burst, so be it" - Egan Bernal fearless ahead of final week of Giro d'Italia 2025

The decisive week of the Giro d'Italia 2025 begins. For Egan Bernal it is a luxury opportunity to dream of victory in the general classification for the second time. Despite being 8th, the INEOS leader has shown that he can climb his way back to within sight of the maglia rosa. There is no doubt that this is the best version of Bernal we have seen in four years.

With more than 22,000 meters of accumulated elevation gain in this last week, the difference of 3:38 between Bernal and Isaac del Toro, leader of the general classification, does not seem too much. Even less with the level that the Colombian is offering with the INEOS Grenadiers.

So far, Egan has been the bravest rider in the race. Speaking to the media before the start of stage 16, which opens the final week of the Giro d'Italia, he said he will keep trying to attack every day:

"When you have legs you can attack anywhere. It's true that today's stage (16) is much harder, and there will be many more rivals that will appear. But as long as I have them, I'll keep trying," Bernal began by pointing out.

"If I blow up someday, so be it. But I'm enjoying racing like this, moving the race. Obviously, a Top 10 overall is important, but I want more. Right now, being 8th, I have more to gain than to lose," added Egan Bernal.

The INEOS leader knows that, for these final stages, UAE is the strongest rival. In addition to Del Toro is Juan Ayuso, 3rd overall, "UAE so far has been the strongest team. Isaac del Toro is a rider with a great future. He's very good people, and I wish him the best success."

Finally, Bernal concluded his remarks by talking about the announcement of the retirement of his teammate Jonathan Castroviejo. At 38 years of age, the Spaniard has decided to retire from cycling:

"'Castro' has been and continues to be a very important teammate and friend to me. Perhaps he is the strongest supporter I have ever seen. I hope he enjoys retirement, because he deserves it," finished Egan Bernal.