Egan Bernal is returning to racing, at long last. INEOS Grenadiers have confirmed he is returning to Europe soon and he is either racing the Volta a Catalunya or the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali.
“Egan will be back in Europe pretty soon and so hopefully, he'll be racing at the end of the month. He's obviously been a bit frustrated but we're supporting him. It's been reported that he’s had a knee niggle, which has nothing to do with the crash or the accident from last year," team manager Rod Ellingworth said in an interview with Cyclingnews. "Egan's eager to race but often with these guys, you’ve got to you hold him back.”
Over the last month and a half Bernal was on rehabilitation for his knee injury. He's recently returned to the bike, however the setback has delayed his return to good form and is a big pebble in his shoe. Bernal was set to race the Vuelta a Andalucia and Paris-Nice where he would be understanding his true level currently, but that test was not possible. It is unclear where or when he will now be able to show the level.
“At the end of the day, we've got 30 bike riders and any of them could ride the Tour. You've got to put the best eight on the line, haven't you? What we know about Egan and what you could see last year, is that he's still prepared to put in the hard work for the team if he's the leader or not a leader. He's a bit like Geraint Thomas in that sense. They're great role models for the younger guys," Ellingworth analyzed.
The prospect of the Colombian riding the Tour as a domestique is very real at the time being, specially with the delay in his preparation. However his presence there isn't guarranteed, it will depend on his performances over the coming months. “If Egan was fit enough, why would you not take him to the Tour for his experience and for the help he can give the team. The door’s completely wide open and the Tour is still four months away."
The team is, for the time being, set to be lead by Daniel Martínez and Carlos Rodríguez. Tom Pidcock will likely also be present at the Grand Boucle in search of more stage wins and likely a stint in the yellow jersey. However as the team split it's leaders between the Grand Tours there will be space for Bernal to enter.
“I don't think it's possible to win the Tour all the time. We've got our group who are looking at the Tour, with Steve Cummings leading the project and we're doing everything we always do," Ellingworth concluded. "Dani Martínez and maybe Carlos Rodriguez will be getting their opportunity at the Tour. I think it's an ideal Tour for Dani this year and he's still he's growing and improving."
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