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

[Red Rick]

For me the main thing I'm interested in is how his uniclimb performances hold up to the very tough mountain stages.

 

[AlexNYC]

Is it too early to anoint him as one of the favorites for the WCRR?

 

[PremierAndrew]

Re:

Is it too early to anoint him as one of the favorites for the WCRR?

Yes.

He's on form right now while everyone else is peaking much later in the season

 

[AlexNYC]

I agree, but one has to wonder. I’ve been saying the same thing after every one of his great performances all year.

 

[DanielSong39]

Will he be the super-dom for Geraint Thomas in the Tour de France?

 

[The Barb]

Re:

Will he be the super-dom for Geraint Thomas in the Tour de France?

God I hope not. Would love to see him as a protected rider at the Vuelta.

I just don't know what this kid's ceiling is. I've "only" been following cycling for 22 years but he's far and away the best GT type prospect at this age (yes, Andy Schleck was great but Bernal is so much more complete). I appreciate that doesn't guarantee future dominance but, still, excluding injuries or suspensions it's hard to imagine he won't win multiple Grand Tours.

 

[Blanco]

Re: Re:

Is it too early to anoint him as one of the favorites for the WCRR?

Yes.

He's on form right now while everyone else is peaking much later in the season

And he didn't even tried 250+km one-day races, which are entirely a different beast to what he did in his career so far. To be fair, I would be very surprised if he ends up in top 10 at the Worlds.

 

[Climbing]

He did quite well in Il Lombardia last year though.

 

[DNP-Old]

Re: Re:

Is it too early to anoint him as one of the favorites for the WCRR?

Yes.

He's on form right now while everyone else is peaking much later in the season

And he didn't even tried 250+km one-day races, which are entirely a different beast to what he did in his career so far. To be fair, I would be very surprised if he ends up in top 10 at the Worlds.

He was 13th in Lombardia last year, his very first classic. And no, he won’t go to the Tour. He’ll go to La Vuelta.

 

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

Will he be the super-dom for Geraint Thomas in the Tour de France?

God I hope not. Would love to see him as a protected rider at the Vuelta.

I just don't know what this kid's ceiling is. I've "only" been following cycling for 22 years but he's far and away the best GT type prospect at this age (yes, Andy Schleck was great but Bernal is so much more complete). I appreciate that doesn't guarantee future dominance but, still, excluding injuries or suspensions it's hard to imagine he won't win multiple Grand Tours.

Jan Ulrich?

 

[The Barb]

Re: Re:

Is it too early to anoint him as one of the favorites for the WCRR?

Yes.

He's on form right now while everyone else is peaking much later in the season

And he didn't even tried 250+km one-day races, which are entirely a different beast to what he did in his career so far. To be fair, I would be very surprised if he ends up in top 10 at the Worlds.

By the time the Worlds come around he will be the favourite, not just a top ten contender.

 

[yaco]

Reckon Geoghan Hart's speed on the climb put most on the limit including Bernal - I suspect Bernal may be vulnerable in the queen stage.

 

[Jspear]

Re:

Reckon Geoghan Hart's speed on the climb put most on the limit including Bernal - I suspect Bernal may be vulnerable in the queen stage.

I suspect he won’t be vulnerable. He looked absolute fine.

 

[yaco]

Re: Re:

Reckon Geoghan Hart's speed on the climb put most on the limit including Bernal - I suspect Bernal may be vulnerable in the queen stage.

I suspect he won’t be vulnerable. He looked absolute fine.

No-one wins every suitable stage or race.

 

[Jspear]

Re: Re:

Reckon Geoghan Hart's speed on the climb put most on the limit including Bernal - I suspect Bernal may be vulnerable in the queen stage.

I suspect he won’t be vulnerable. He looked absolute fine.

No-one wins every suitable stage or race.

I agree, but with this field it’s more likely than if he were racing in Europe.

 

[Valv.Piti]

He wasn't superb, but he still put over 20 seconds into Majka and Yates who are no scrubs at all on 2 kilometres. Which is pretty insane given that he certainly didn't look like he was up on his pedals like usual. Lets see!

 

[MatParker117]

That was easy.

 

[Gigs_98]

That was amazing. I already can't wait for the Vuelta to see what he can do against the big boys.

 

[Valv.Piti]

That was amazing. I already can't wait for the Vuelta to see what he can do against the big boys.

I hope he will do Suisse against the three Movistar amigos. Dauphine will suffice as well!

But I agree, by far the most intriguing talent I have seen. Not necessarily bigger than Sagan, its debateable, but Im just a lot more interested in his progress simply because he could end up dominate GTs for 8-10 years.

 

[Bot. Sky_Bot]

This year he gained 1st: WT win, one week WT race podium&win..
What next this year? GT overall podium or win?

 

[AlexNYC]

If he goes to the Vuelta as leader, look out! He's going to be rested whereas his main competitors will have either the Giro, the Tour or both in their legs.

 

[Tonton]

If he his what I think he is, watch out. Fantastic rider, masterful performance, again. Wow! Someone special.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

He completely pulverized everyone. Even against a relatively weak field it is insane to see a guy this young do that.

 

[Koronin]

That was amazing. I already can't wait for the Vuelta to see what he can do against the big boys.

I hope he will do Suisse against the three Movistar amigos. Dauphine will suffice as well!

But I agree, by far the most intriguing talent I have seen. Not necessarily bigger than Sagan, its debateable, but Im just a lot more interested in his progress simply because he could end up dominate GTs for 8-10 years.

True, although remember he's already lost to Valverde in Catalonia this year.

However, watching his progress will be interesting to see. Also interesting to see if he can get better with his TTs.

 

[hfer07]

SKY acquired the most precious asset in Cycling. I only hope and pray they handle & nurture him with the proper care. Egan Bernal is destined to greatness!!