Teams & Riders The official Egan Bernal is the new Egan Bernal thread

[SafeBet]

We love insanity don't we?

 

[Jan the Man]

What the hell have they given Bernal and the Ineos riders this Giro, do they all have Stefano Pirazzi brainchips inserted? Just attacking any climb that shows up on the route. At least they distanced Roglič today, but they are riding on the verge of insanity.

Guess they figure the harder they make it the better their prospects. Egan seems to be getting into better shape but a step behind Carapaz and del Torro. Arensman also ridding into form . Other than his bad first day he would be right up there with Yates and Ayuso. Great to see Ineos adopting some aggressive racing tactics. They’ve had plenty of stick but this new Ineos is very entertaining

 

[ppanther92]

I like Bernals attacking spirit. I like the comeback story. So I will root for him in the 3rd week (and Del Toro).

But I agree, I pretty much rule out he would be a contender against Pogacar and Vingegaard. His pre-crash 2020 TdF and 2021 Vuelta were already not great. He would probably be one of the contenders for a 3rd place in the past few years.

 

[Netserk]

It'd only be insane if he was in a better position. But with this GC, this route, and so many ahead of him with questionable credentials, he can end up with a big coconut if he shakes the tree hard enough.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Brave plan from Ineos today which Bernal used several times. Del Toro will be tough to beat, but keep trying. Its a joy to watch.

 

[Escarabajo]

I’m not a fan of what INEOS is doing—it feels like they’re trying to prove a point with Bernal, and not in the right way.

That said, I’m glad to see him proudly showing off his beautiful jersey. And more importantly, without his efforts, we might never have seen Roglic’s crisis unfold. He’s been a real animator in the race. Let’s hope this performance marks another step forward in his recovery.

 

[Keldergoat]

I like the combi that he and Arensman form. Bernal the punchier of the two, Arensman with the diesel engine. It really is a bummer that Ineos brought a very mediocre climbing team alongside these two guys. If they would have had the likes of de Plus, Sheffield or even Kwiat there Today they could've done some serious harm but now you just know that their team isn't strong enough to seriously challenge UAE.

 

[hayneplane]

I like the combi that he and Arensman form. Bernal the punchier of the two, Arensman with the diesel engine. It really is a bummer that Ineos brought a very mediocre climbing team alongside these two guys. If they would have had the likes of de Plus, Sheffield or even Kwiat there Today they could've done some serious harm but now you just know that their team isn't strong enough to seriously challenge UAE.

Even having Rivera still in the race on the form he showed on the sterrato stage would have been a big asset today.

 

[Red Rick]

What the hell have they given Bernal and the Ineos riders this Giro, do they all have Stefano Pirazzi brainchips inserted? Just attacking any climb that shows up on the route. At least they distanced Roglič today, but they are riding on the verge of insanity.

They're just under extreme pressure to get anything from the season after United bottled Europa League.

 

[AnotherArmChair]

so first time cycling without pain in 3 years

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z4DDNkFIyk


Also nice tribute from Carlos to Mads

 

[wheresmybrakes]

Super ride today. It would be great if he could break into the top 5.

 

[AnotherArmChair]

Super ride today. It would be great if he could break into the top 5.

cant see why not...he has used alot energy attacking and also his crashes

Needs to maybe follow for a few days and then give it his best shot on Finestre

 

[Dazed and Confused]

The all or nothing metality is commendable. Tanacity, willpower and talent. Yes, Bernal is currently coming up a bit short for various reasons, but he will come out much stronger. And the new incarnation of Ineos, well its seems like a solid combination at this point. On the hotlist of riders worth following.

 

[Bombarolo]

Huge improvement from last year. He is just lacking the final bit... Who knows maybe next year if he can keep progressing like this.

 

[Netserk]

Huge improvement from last year. He is just lacking the final bit... Who knows maybe next year if he can keep progressing like this.

He'd have been between Yates and Carapaz without his crash, or more likely he would have attacked on the penultimate climb.

 

[Jan the Man]

This is a great comeback story considering the severity of his injuries. Didn’t think this level would be possible again and is definitely someone to root for. His personality and tenacity are so admirable.

 

[SafeBet]

Let's hope the crash doesn't affect him in the next mountain stages. He won't give up that's for sure.

 

[Jan the Man]

Let's hope the crash doesn't affect him in the next mountain stages. He won't give up that's for sure.

Hopefully not too much - clearly cumulative crashes cannot help but if he was baddly hurt he could not have finished as he did yesterday even with adrenaline.

 

[Escarabajo]

Puff, you got that out of the way!!!!!

Thanks Egan. Huge performance and effort from you. Now you have to build on it. If you decide to continue racing need to come up with better strategies.

I am really happy for Egan.

 

[AnotherArmChair]

I was excited by his performance ..still fast to the line and can TT very well ...but needs more endurance which is understandable given his lay off and come back. Also was probably effected by the 3 crashes he had. He may not have been seriously injured but a bad bang can cause you lots of energy in recovery

A little step up and he can fight again for a Giro

 

[yaco]

I thought he rode a silly race and wasted energy at unnecessary times. Hubris caught Ineos and if they rode a more conservative race then Bernal would have come fifth.

 

[SafeBet]

I thought he rode a silly race and wasted energy at unnecessary times. Hubris caught Ineos and if they rode a more conservative race then Bernal would have come fifth.

Why would that be important for someone with Bernal's palmares?

He had fun on his bike after a long time, he made the race and entertained fans. That's a lot more important to me.

 

[Escarabajo]

Why would that be important for someone with Bernal's palmares?

He had fun on his bike after a long time, he made the race and entertained fans. That's a lot more important to me.

However, to win races—or even just to make the podium—you sometimes have to take a conservative approach and ignore what the fans want. It’s sad, but true.

 

[AmRacer]

However, to win races—or even just to make the podium—you sometimes have to take a conservative approach and ignore what the fans want. It’s sad, but true.

He wouldn't have won the Giro anyway. He crashed and lacking a bit endurance.
Hopefully he will improve for the Vuelta.

 

[Netserk]

However, to win races—or even just to make the podium—you sometimes have to take a conservative approach and ignore what the fans want. It’s sad, but true.

Yes, and he should ride more conservatively in the Vuelta. But I think morale and confirmation that he can make a difference and has something to contribute in GTs also was way more important in this Giro than fifth in GC. He has been without pain and been able to blow the race apart, and I cannot think of anything else motivating him more.