Is Egan Bernal’s Giro d’Italia in danger? Passport issue delays travel to Europe

The countdown to the 2026 Giro d’Italia is well underway, with the first Grand Tour of the season set to begin on May 8 and run through to the 31st. As always, the race is expected to bring together the biggest names in the peloton, including former winner Egan Bernal.

The Colombian, who claimed victory in 2021, was expected to play a leading role once again. However, his preparation has been disrupted by an unexpected administrative issue that is now raising concerns at a crucial moment in his build-up.

This year’s route features a demanding mix of high mountains, time trials and medium mountain stages. It is a parcours that traditionally creates decisive gaps in the general classification and requires riders to arrive in peak condition.

Bernal had planned to travel to Europe on April 12 to begin his final preparations, but he remains in Bogotá due to problems renewing his passport. A failure in the Colombian Foreign Ministry’s system has delayed the process, preventing him from travelling for the time being.

The INEOS Grenadiers rider, who had recently moved past earlier physical setbacks and was targeting a return to Grand Tour contention, has also admitted that he left the renewal process until the last moment. That decision is now affecting his schedule at a key point in the season.

Reports from Colombian media suggest the situation could impact his presence at the Giro. The possibility of him missing the race has gained traction in recent hours, although there has been no official confirmation.

Time is now working against the 2019 Tour de France winner as he looks to resolve the issue and avoid a major disruption to his campaign.

Bernal has not raced since February 28, when he finished seventh at the Faun-Ardèche Classic, his only European appearance of the season so far. Earlier in the year, he competed at the Colombian National Championships, placing fifth in the time trial before taking a commanding victory in the road race in Zipaquirá ahead of Ivan Ramiro Sosa.