«The objective – says Cioni – was that Egan Bernal returns to the group, to be a rider. Working so long without running was hard. He hasn't returned to racing for a long time, he has been working hard. The fact of having it at Tour of Denmark it is the achievement of a goal. We are talking about a rider who was first aiming for the Tour and now aims to return to his former self».
It's January 24, 2022, the day of the accident (Twitter photo) 
After the first interventions, Bernal also reassured his fans via Twitter The first image of a lively and alert Bernal (photo La Sabana) Standing among the surgeons who operated on him (photo La Sabana) Bernal's progress is rapid and evident (photo Twitter) Cristian Alonso is Egan's trusted masseur, who was present at the accident (photo Twitter) Bernal's back bears the marks of spinal surgery (photo by Twitter) From the very beginning, Egan began working to prevent atrophy (photo Twitter) Photos of Bernal back on the bike have surfaced on his Twitter profile. This drawing published on Twitter summarizes the course of Bernal's re-education.
It's January 24, 2022, the day of the accident (Twitter photo) After the first interventions, Bernal also reassured his fans via Twitter The first image of a lively and alert Bernal (photo La Sabana) Standing among the surgeons who operated on him (photo La Sabana) Bernal's progress is rapid and evident (photo Twitter) Cristian Alonso is Egan's trusted masseur (photo Twitter) Bernal's back bears the marks of spinal surgery (photo by Twitter) From the very beginning, Egan began working to prevent atrophy (photo Twitter) Photos of Bernal back on the bike have surfaced on his Twitter profile. This drawing published on Twitter summarizes the course of Bernal's re-education.
A long trip
The press release came out yesterday. Egan Bernal resumes racing today from Denmark (top, Twitter photo). The team's medical team Ineos Grenadiers he judged that the moment had come.
«When you think back to where Egan was just eight months ago - he has declared Rod Ellingworth, team principal of the British team – It's amazing the progress he's made. He showed the world the true strength of his character and proved a remarkable grit in return to preparationWe are still on the road with Egan, but getting back in the group for the Tour of Denmark is a significant and hard-earned milestoneEgan's long-term recovery is and continues to be guided by our medical and physical support program. The entire Ineos Grenadiers family is proud and happy for Egan. His determination and application will now allow us to see him return to the racing world, which he had wanted for so long."
What lies beyond the official statements? Where is Bernal actually at? We asked Dario Cioni, one of the team's coaches, currently in Denmark with the team to follow the Colombian's return.
Was he supposed to return to Denmark? There was talk of the Vuelta Burgos and even the Vuelta…
The return was planned. Maybe the name of the race hadn't been chosen yet, but a rider for Denmark was missed and it was thought that the time had comeI'm not the one training him. The Vuelta was definitely premature, but we know that the organizers are pushing their own agendaBurgos, on the other hand, had been evaluated.
How is Egan?
Obviously I can't speak for the medical aspect, there's a staff for that. I don't know how he'll be able to move forward. There are riders who see red with the number on their back, but I'm sure that just being there and competing with the rest of the group, covering kilometres, is important. You can train as hard as you want, but the stress of running is something else.Let's say that the Tour of Denmark will be a stress test to see if Egan is really ready.
Have you seen him in training? What impressions did he give you?
It seems he didn't have anything. It is well balanced, symmetrical. With the naked eye, it's impossible to tell whether he still has muscle tone to recover. Also because he is thin and long-limbed, we are not talking about an athlete who has significant muscle mass.
That said, champions never have normal cooldowns…
Exact, they do things that are unimaginable to a normal personWhen he got back up, the hope was that he would be back racing before the end of the season, and he did it a little early. You have to keep your feet on the ground, but of course a normal person would probably still be in the process of re-education.
Who made the decision to bring him back?
There was certainly the doctors' evaluation, but It was Rod Ellingworth who made the synthesis of all opinions and to make the decision.
You talked about keeping your feet on the ground…
I know that with a rider like that expectations are always high. But it is also true that despite having worked hard, Egan will find himself compete with a group of riders who have been competing since the beginning of the seasonSo it's okay to be happy about his return and I understand that it can be a reward for him.
Does the head make a difference?
With certain champions, it's crucial. He had it in his head to come back, and he succeeded. What will come will remain to be discoveredHaving him in the running is still a success.
Five quick stages
Denmark will be the perfect terrain to return toThe only semblance of a climb will be on the fifth day, in Give-Vejle, the most challenging stage: 126,5 kilometers. with many steep sections, some of which are quite steep, which will likely decide the standings. Even if he wanted to, Bernal won't be called upon to take on any particularly tough duels. If he wants to test himself, his nature will not allow him to look the other way if and when the race heats up.
«After what happened to me in January – he said – this is the moment I've been waiting for: Running with my teammates again. I can't explain enough how tough the last eight months have been for me, both physically and mentally. That day and the journey I have taken since will forever be a part of me.. It's something I will never forget."
