'A slightly tired' Thomas rides with fit Bernal last Tour of Catalonia: "That makes everything special"

The 2019 Giro d'Italia and then nothing until February 2025: Egan Bernal's record was marked by years of drought due to (severe) accidents. The Colombian from INEOS Grenadiers finally won again last month and did so in his own country. Barely two weeks later, he suffered another crash and a broken bone, but he was ready in time for the Tour of Catalonia. The 28-year-old climber and his teammate Geraint Thomas share their thoughts.

February 6, 2025, was an emotional day for Bernal and everyone who loves him. After years of setbacks, the Colombian finally won again in the time trial at the Colombian championship, which brought tears to family and friends. Three days later, the small climber from Bogotá also won the road race, allowing Bernal to wear two national champion jerseys. However, his luck did not last long, as the former Giro winner had to record a DNF in the Clásica Jaén on February 17.

"I broke my collarbone and underwent surgery that same evening," Bernal said in a statement via INEOS' official channels. "However, my recovery after the crash went quickly. I was lucky to have a top doctor operating on me, and the next day, my collarbone felt as if nothing had happened. I recovered quickly thanks to the medical team."

Read more below the photo!

Bernal became both Colombian time trial and road champion earlier this year

'No easy week' coming up for Bernal in Catalonia

On Monday, Bernal will return to the peloton in the Tour of Catalonia. "It's a race that I like. I've participated every year that I could, always with the same intention: to achieve a good ranking. Last year, I finished third, and this year, I want to be on the podium again and fight with my teammates during every stage, hoping to keep improving my form toward my next goals of the season." The Colombian will return to the Tour of Italy in May, after which the Vuelta a España is planned for the fall.

Bernal predicts a difficult week in northeastern Spain. "There is no easy stage in the Volta. It may sound cliché, but it's true: you have to focus on one stage at a time. Monday's stage is already difficult because there is usually a small group at the finish. Each stage is a challenge, and we must be prepared for it."

Read more below the photo!

Geraint Thomas will support Bernal in Catalonia

Last time Tour of Catalonia for Thomas: "After that, I'll have to face the challenges of the real world"

A glance at the starting list of the Spanish stage race shows that Bernal has brought a strong team with him, including Axel Laurance, Laurens de Plus, and Geraint Thomas. The latter is looking forward to another race under the Spanish sun in his final year. "Knowing this is my last season makes everything unique and more effortless. I'm just enjoying it because we have a special life as professional athletes and cyclists, so I want to enjoy the last few months. After that, I'll have to face the challenges of the real world."

The former Tour winner has already done the Tour of Catalonia five times before, with a third place in 2021 as his best result. Yet Thomas seems to be traveling to Spain this year with different intentions. "I'm looking forward to having some fun with the guys. We will try to be in the sprints with Axel, and we have Egan and Laurens de Plus for the climbs."

At 38, the Welshman still has to think on his feet, as he rode the Milan-Sanremo on Saturday. The first Monument of the year has taken its toll on Thomas. "I feel slightly tired after San Remo. It took a while for me to fall asleep last night, with all the caffeine and adrenaline from the race," said the former Tour winner on Sunday. Nevertheless, Thomas is again looking forward to a beautiful week, hopefully bathed in glorious sunshine. "I'm happy to be here. I've done this race a few times and hope we have good weather."

Read also

Favorites Stage 1 Tour of Catalonia 2025 | Alpecin-Deceuninck looks to keep winning momentum going

Can Van Aert handle Pogacar-Van der Poel level? Bakelants has doubts: "I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes"

These are the 5 highlights after a historic Milan-Sanremo: Will Pogacar ever win 'La Primavera'?

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe