Egan Bernal makes Tour de France return for Ineos Grenadiers, Tom Pidcock also included after strong debut in 2022
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Updated 26/06/2023 at 20:50 GMT+1
Egan Bernal won the Tour de France in 2019 but has not raced at a Grand Tour since the 2021 Vuelta a Espana after his brutal injury suffered in 2022. However in a testament to the Colombian's incredible determination and resiliency he has been included in the INEOS Grenadiers squad for the 2023 Tour de France. Bernal is part of an experienced squad that does have two debutnants.
GRENOBLE ALPES MÉTROPOLE, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Egan Bernal of Colombia and Team INEOS Grenadiers crosses the finish line during the 75th Criterium du Dauphine 2023, Stage 8 a 152.8km stage from Le Pont-de-Claix to La Bastille – Grenoble Alpes Métropole 498m
Image credit: Getty Images
Ineos Grenadiers have confirmed that 2019 winner Egan Bernal is back in their squad for the Tour de France - his first Grand Tour since his horrific injury in 2022.
Bernal hasn’t raced at a Grand Tour since the 2021 Vuelta a Espana but after recovering from his serious injuries he is part of an interesting Ineos line-up.
Rising British and Spanish stars Tom Pidcock and Carlos Rodriguez are the nominal general classification contenders, although neither are expected to seriously fight for yellow this early in their careers.
The rest of the team sees experienced hands Jonathan Castroviejo, Omar Fraile, Michael Kwiatkowski and Dani Martinez in the line-up alongside Tour debutant Ben Turner.
Deputy team principal Rod Ellingworth said of the team: “This is a great route and one which will see hard, full-gas racing right from the start. We know anything can happen over three weeks of a Grand Tour and we also know the demands of an event where heat and altitude play a big part.
“We’ve selected an exciting group of riders that bring a mix of skills and experience. The strength of this team will lie in the way we take on the race, and how we approach each stage with the options we have.
“The whole team’s really thrilled for Egan, and everyone who’s supported him in his return to full fitness. It’s a demonstration of his character and resilience, and the extraordinary effort he’s put into his recovery over the past 18 months. Of course, as a previous winner, he brings invaluable insight and a winning attitude to the group. His grit and determination sum up what we’re all about as a team, and all our riders will benefit from his experience at the Tour.
“Tom showed last year what a hugely exciting talent he is and his victory on Alpe d’Huez was just brilliant. We’re looking forward to seeing him progress once again, applying what he learned last year.
“In Kwiato, Dani, Castro and Omar we have an abundance of experience and skill – each one of these guys knows what it takes to win at the top level.
“For Carlos and Ben, both making their Tour de France debuts, this is a big moment, and one they’re both looking to absorb and embrace. They’re both top quality bike riders, so they’ll certainly be ready to grab any opportunities along the way.
“We know there are going to be a lot of new fans watching this year given the success of ‘Unchained’ on Netflix, and whether they’re on the roadside or in their living rooms, we’re looking to give them plenty to cheer about.”
Bernal said he was very grateful for being given the chance to race at the Tour again.
“Making my return to the Tour has always been a major goal for me. I'm so excited to be able to experience every kilometre of this race again," he said.
“I’m sure many people have followed everything that has happened to me since my accident in January last year, and the journey I’ve been through to overcome the greatest test of my life. Being a part of this year’s Tour team reassures me that I’m on my way to returning to my best.
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Tom Pidcock
Image credit: Getty Images
“This race is also an opportunity for me to show my gratitude and commitment to the team that continually supported me throughout, to thank each person who has helped me, from the nurses who took care of me in the hospital, the doctors, my friends, family, team-mates and Ineos.
“Above all I want to take this opportunity to inspire people and show them that, even if everything seems lost, we can trust in God. Be strong, because life only comes to us once and we must appreciate the second chances we’re given and take advantage of every second.”
Pidcock said he was delighted to return to the Tour after an impressive debut showing in 2022.
“I’m really excited to be back at the Tour de France for what promises to be another beautiful three weeks," he said.
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