Egan Bernal hailed for 'ride of real redemption and greatness' with podium finish on Stage 7 of Giro d'Italia after 'beyond belief' injury comeback
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Published 16/05/2025 at 18:13 GMT+1
Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) produced a stunning ride to finish on the podium on Stage 7 of the Giro d'Italia on Friday. On the TNT Sports post-race show The Breakaway, everyone wanted to have their say in lauding the Colombian for what was described as a "ride of real redemption and greatness" given all he has been through with his comeback from career-threatening injuries.
'True champion' Bernal showing 'impressive' form 'beyond belief' at Giro
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ineos Grenadiers star Egan Bernal was hailed by the TNT Sports experts after he produced a magical ride to finish on the podium on Stage 7 of the Giro d'Italia in Tagliacozzo.
While Juan Ayuso clinched a very impressive victory ahead of Isaac del Toro, for many people, the day belonged to Bernal for the way he demonstrated the kind of form that would not have been believed over the last few years, given the major injuries he suffered.
As the team explained in the studio, the context of the 28-year-old's career setbacks made his performance truly remarkable, and also very encouraging looking ahead to his prospects at other Grand Tours.
"The ride of the day for me, save from Juan Ayuso, was Egan Bernal," declared Matt Stephens on TNT Sports' post-race show The Breakaway.
"I was cheering for that lad. The guy was nearly out of the sport; it could have been worse, but Egan is putting up the best numbers of his life.
"That was a ride of real redemption and greatness from Egan.
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Watch thrilling final burst as Ayuso storms to Stage 7 win ahead of Roglic
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He broke his back out training a few years ago in Colombia. Basically, he was on his TT bike, looked round and hit the back of a stationary bus. It was looking like he would not be able to walk again, but he has had the backing of the team, he has fought, and he is slowly getting back to his best.
"In fact, at the moment, according to him, he is putting out the best numbers of his career. Yes, we are in a different world now, and other riders have overtaken him, but that was a superb ride."
Robbie McEwen added: "He's also recently broken a collarbone as well. He just keeps getting up and keeps coming back. It is just so good to see him back at the podium of a race with the stage win up for grabs."
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Egan Bernal of Colombia and Team INEOS Grenadiers crosses the finish line during the 111th Tour de France 2024, Stage 19 a 144.6km stage from Embrun to Isola 2000 (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Adam Blythe pitched in: "I know this is the race on right now, but Egan for the Vuelta. He is a true champion.
"When he was younger and he won the Tour de France and the Giro, you thought he was going to win five Grand Tours. He could still win a Grand Tour with the form that he showed today, but the struggle to get there... we have no idea how hard and how difficult that was.
"For him to have been where he was and where he is now is almost beyond belief because it is so, so impressive."
Orla Chennaoui paid her tribute too: "I have got goosebumps just thinking about it. I think he is a rider and a person who has personified such grace and such determination.
"The way he has managed to double down and commit to himself, commit to this sport. The grace and the class of the man have shone through all the way."
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