Bernal remains positive after Blockhaus setback: 'I did my best 40 minutes ever'

The first summit finish of this year’s Giro atop Blockhaus was always going to reveal plenty about the riders aiming to finish at the sharp end of the GC.

2021 Giro winner Egan Bernal (Netcompany-Ineos) was one of the riders who lost more time than he would have hoped for, crossing the line in a group that finished 2:57 behind stage winner Jonas Vingegaard. 

Speaking to reporters at the start of stage 8, Bernal reflected on a difficult finish, admitting that his power numbers were positive despite losing valuable time in GC. 

“I mean, I feel good, like really good, during the stage and during the climb. I was pushing and you know, like I was looking at not only the numbers but also in my feelings, and I was feeling super good, Bernal told reporters. “But at the same time, you know I lost minutes. So it's kind of weird.” 

Although the result was not what the Colombian desired, Bernal believes the climb was one of the strongest efforts of his career.

“Yeah, I mean it's difficult. I don't want to talk too much about numbers because in the end I lost three minutes, but at the same time I think I did my best 40 minutes ever,” explained Bernal.

“I went up doing six watts per kilo, and for me it's good, 40 minutes for me this is like good numbers, and I'm still losing a lot of time, but I mean you know how it is,” he added.

Despite the encouraging numbers, Bernal knows that the reality is that he has dropped from 6th to 15th in the GC, and now sits 6:18 behind race leader Afonso Eulálio (Bahrain-Victorious). 

However, Bernal, remaining in good spirits, suggested that he could use the Blockhaus stage as an opportunity to mentally refresh and approach the remaining stages with a positive outlook, given there is still a long way to go in the race.

“Obviously, it is difficult to lose three minutes like this in one climb, but at the same time, it is something I can’t control. Now it’s a different stage, and I want to reset and be positive, and try to treat this like an opportunity,” said Bernal.

Bernal was also asked about his earlier difficulties on stage 4, where he was distanced on the Cozzo Tunno climb before returning to the peloton with the help of Ben Turner. 

“I guess it was just the heat and the day before was a rest day, and the first days in Bulgaria were relatively easy and also the days before,” said Bernal.

“So, to come to the race not doing much, maybe I was too fresh, I didn’t race too much also in the first part of the season, so maybe I think it was just a combination of different situations.”