"I’m here with the mentality of helping" - Egan Bernal confirms role of super-domestique for INEOS at La Vuelta

In years gone by, the idea of Egan Bernal coming to a Grand Tour without being considered a serious contender would seem strange. Sadly though, after years of injury troubles, the diminutive Colombian is still battling to regain his top form.

“A victory here would be very special,” Bernal said in a pre-race INEOS Grenadiers press conference on Thursday. “But I’m here with the mentality of helping the team, and to do my best for G. He’s come here having taken two Grand Tour podiums in the last two Grand Tours he’s done, and that’s something exceptional."

The Vuelta a Espana is actually the only Grand Tour that Bernal is missing on his palmares, having won the 2019 Tour de France and the 2021 Giro d'Italia. “My own goal is to lay down some more foundations for next year and to build my confidence for the 2024 season," the 26-year-old evaluates. 

“My recovery is going well, but I’m at the stage now where you can’t see the progress as clearly as last year," he says. “I’m very motivated, though, and I feel like I can be a rider who can make as much of a contribution as possible. That would be the ideal, anyway.”