“It gives confidence, but the Giro is the Giro” – Egan Bernal caps impressive return with second overall at Tour of the Alps

Egan Bernal’s return to racing at the Tour of the Alps delivered both reassurance and restraint, with the Colombian finishing second overall after five days that steadily rebuilt his condition ahead of the Giro d’Italia.

Riding for INEOS Grenadiers, the Colombian national champion came into the race after more than two months away from competition, with uncertainty surrounding his form. By the end of the week, that uncertainty had largely been replaced by cautious optimism.

Bernal’s Tour of the Alps was defined by consistency rather than a single standout moment. He began to show his level early in the race, finishing fourth on Stage 2 before backing it up with third on Stage 3, positioning himself firmly among the general classification contenders.

That form held through to the final stage, where he again rode at the front of the race, taking second place on the day behind Giulio Pellizzari and confirming his place as runner-up in the overall standings.

Across the five stages, the progression was clear. After a long absence from racing, Bernal not only remained competitive but consistently matched the strongest riders in the race.

Despite the result, Bernal was quick to keep expectations in check when assessing his condition. “It gives confidence, but the Giro is the Giro,” he said after the finish. “They are two different things. The important thing is to arrive in good shape for the final week of the Giro.”

That measured tone reflects the context of his return. While the Tour of the Alps has provided evidence that his form is returning, the demands of a three-week Grand Tour remain a different challenge entirely.

The final stage provided the clearest indication of where Bernal stands relative to his rivals.

As the race reached its decisive phase, he was among the strongest riders on the climb, responding to moves and positioning himself as the closest challenger to Pellizzari. However, once the Italian attacked, Bernal was unable to close the gap despite remaining within striking distance. “At one point I was there and I didn’t really know what to do, because the wind was very strong,” he explained. “I was 10 seconds behind but I couldn’t close the gap, so I was wondering whether he would wait for me or not. I thought waiting would have been the best thing to do, but Giulio went, so that’s how it was.”

That moment ultimately defined the stage, with Bernal unable to bridge across before the gap stabilised.

With the Tour of the Alps complete, attention now turns fully to the Giro d’Italia.

For Bernal, the week has provided an important foundation rather than a final statement. The climbing legs are returning, the race rhythm is back, and the results suggest he can be competitive. But the focus remains firmly on what lies ahead. “It gives a bit of confidence, but the Giro is the Giro,” he repeated. “The important thing is to arrive in good shape for the final week.”

After more than two months without racing, Bernal leaves the Tour of the Alps not just with a podium finish, but with the belief that he is moving in the right direction at exactly the right time.