Egan Bernal targets comeback after injury setback

What’s actually going on with Egan Bernal? The Colombian started his cycling season with promise but has now been sidelined by injury for over a month. After an uncertain period, the INEOS Grenadiers rider can finally begin preparing for his comeback. Ciclo21 reports that Bernal will participate in the upcoming Tour of the Alps (April 20-24).

The 29-year-old Bernal has been one of the most notable absentees in the peloton over recent weeks. Following a seventh-place finish in the Faun Ardèche Classic won by Paul Seixas, the stage race specialist has not raced since. There were mentions of physical issues, but INEOS Grenadiers never released an official statement, leaving the severity of his injury unclear.

The 2019 Tour de France winner had to skip Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and the Tour of Catalonia, but now there is light at the end of the tunnel. Bernal is reportedly targeting a return at the Tour of the Alps, a challenging multi-day mountain race and an important preparation event for the Giro d’Italia.

The Colombian hopes to gain some race fitness at the Tour of the Alps in view of the Giro d’Italia, his primary goal for 2026. Bernal also started the Giro last year. The climber never realistically challenged for a podium, let alone the overall victory during the race.

The 2021 Giro winner ultimately settled for seventh place in the final standings, nearly thirteen minutes behind overall winner Simon Yates.