"The third week will be super difficult" - Egan Bernal feels himself growing stronger at Tour de France and has GC top-10 in his sights

Whilst time trials have never been the strongest of disciplines for Egan Bernal, even when he was at his Grand Tour winning best level of 2019-2021, the INEOS Grenadiers man put in a solid effort on stage 7 of the 2024 Tour de France, keeping the top 10 of the general classification in his sights.

"I think it's not bad. It was a good time trial, for the specialists, with a very fast final, a favourable wind and a technical descent," Bernal told reporters including Cyclism'Actu at the finish of the time-trial. "The condition is good. I always want to go for a little more, but I'm happy with my form. I'm recovering well and the third week will be super difficult, so I hope I'll be at my best."

Whilst Carlos Rodriguez is the general classification leader of the INEOS Grenadiers, Bernal himself has hopes of a high placing whilst working alongside his Spanish teammate. With one third of the 2024 Tour de France now completed, Rodriguez sits in 7th overall, 2:31 whilst Bernal is currently 12th in the general classification, 5:25 down on the Maillot Jaune wearing Tadej Pogacar.

Whilst overall victory seems to be a tough ask for Rodriguez, the podium remains in sight and if Bernal can find top form heading into the third week, having the Colombian to call upon alongside the likes of Geraint Thomas and Laurens De Plus could be a big benefit for the Spaniard, who last year finished 5th overall and managed to take a first Grand Tour stage win of his career in the process.