Egan Bernal wins first race since 2022 horror crash, Ineos Grenadiers win first race in 215 days
Bernal’s victory was also Ineos Grenadier’s first win in months
![Egan Bernal](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LKBa6xABcw7ziTNYQJJ4B3-1280-80.jpg)
Egan Bernal took his first victory since his 2022 horror crash on Thursday, winning the Colombian National Time Trial Championships in Bucaramanga. It was also Ineos Grenadiers' first victory since July 2024, 215 days ago.
Bernal, winner of the 2019 Tour de France and 2021 Giro d’Italia, was severely injured in a collision with a bus in Colombia in January 2022. He suffered extensive injuries, including multiple fractures and a punctured lung, and said shortly afterwards that the incident nearly killed him.
Bernal built back his fitness over the course of the last two seasons, and showed flashes of his former self last spring at several early season races. Writing on social media in the aftermath of Thursday's victory, Bernal admitted that he had considered finishing his career on several occasions after the crash.
"1347 days and a lot has happened since my last win, today NATIONAL TT CHAMPION," Bernal said. "I thought about retiring several times but one day I promised that if I won again, the first one would be dedicated to God for giving me a second chance at life. A lot of people are a part of this process and today I just want to say thank you."
Bernal beat his Ineos Grenadiers teammate, Brandon Rivera, to the Colombian title, completing the 42.2 kilometre course in 50:51, 29 seconds quicker than Rivera.
Last year Bernal showed signs that his competitive form was gradually returning, finishing on the podium at O Grand Camiño and the Volta a Catalunya in Spain. He was also fourth at the Tour de Suisse and impressed at Paris-Nice, finishing seventh overall.
Bernal’s victory in his home country this week was also his team's first win as a team since Filippo Ganna won stage four of the Tour of Austria in July last year. Ineos endured their worst-ever season in 2024, finishing the campaign with just 14 wins.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
It was recently revealed that the team is looking for a second sponsor in order to help them compete once more with the “super teams” of the sport.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Tom has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2022 and his news stories, rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine.
Since joining the team, he has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the World Championships in Glasgow. He has also covered major races elsewhere across the world. As well as on the ground reporting, Tom writes race reports from the men's and women's WorldTour and focuses on coverage of UK domestic cycling.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Fara F/Gravel Bike review: comfortable, versatile, with a good turn of speed
A rugged, trail-ready carbon gravel bike that can be as adventurous as you want it to be
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
Car drives towards peloton leading to pile-up in French stage race
Pre-race favourite Maxim van Gils taken to hospital after crash at Étoile de Bessèges
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers looking for second sponsor in order to return to 'super team' status
British WorldTour team to continue into 2026
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tom Pidcock's coach leaves Ineos Grenadiers, likely to join Q36.5 Pro Cycling
Kurt Bogaerts confirmed to have left Ineos Grenadiers and is expected to imminently follow Pidcock to Swiss team along with soigneur
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock signs for Q36.5 Pro Cycling after Ineos Grenadiers departure
Olympic MTB champion hails 'start of something special' in three-year deal
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Steve Cummings takes sports director role at Jayco AIUla after Ineos Grenadiers departure
'It’s an opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates growth, resilience, and meaningful results' says 43-year-old after joining new team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published