"It was really windy" - Egan Bernal dropped early on the Blockhaus and then suffered with the rough weather

Egan Bernal faced his first major high-mountain battle in a Grand Tour this season. The stage was defined by big gaps among the title contenders and the Netcompany INEOS rider did not have an easy time on the Giro d'Italia's ascent of the Blockhaus.

Jonas Vingegaard was on an unanswerable level, carving a deep split in the general classification by distancing his closest rivals by a hefty margin. One of the casualties of this opening climbing skirmish was Colombia’s Egan Bernal, leader of Ineos and, up to Blockhaus. He first lost contact with the group early on together with Enric Mas, although he did not lose as much time.

Bernal eventually rode his way back into the group of the pink jersey Afonso Eulálio where he ultimately finished - 21st on the day, 2:57 minutes back.

Despite the heavy time loss on the steepest ramps, the rider faced the media with a calm, analytical tone, acknowledging the difficulties he experienced on a demanding route that offered no respite from the start.

The leader of the British team spoke candidly to Cycling Pro Net about how the climb felt: “Well, I don’t think I had my best day, but the start was super fast, and I tried to pace my effort. I was alone from very low down and it was really windy, so I think I lost a lot of time there. I couldn’t benefit from shelter, but, well, I think the time came good up the road, so that’s the most important thing.”

The Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team rider admitted that the fast start and strong headwind took their toll very early on the final climb, forcing him to ride completely alone for many kilometers.

Assessing his performance, Bernal broke down the tactical and weather factors that triggered the time loss on a day when energy management was vital for survival on the road.

Far from being sunk by the minutes ceded to his rival’s surge, the Ineos rider sent a message of calm about his current condition, sounding optimistic ahead of the next stages.

Asked about the toll of such intensity, he was unequivocal: “No, I’m good, really good, normal, not completely empty. Better sensations than on the previous days, so I think we’re improving day by day".