Egan Bernal

Egan Bernal is one of the most gifted climbers and stage racers of his generation. The Colombian stunned the cycling world with victories at the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia before the age of 25, combining attacking flair with endurance and poise. His career took a dramatic turn following a near-fatal crash in 2022, but his comeback has only added to his legend.

Egan Arley Bernal Gómez was born in 1997 in Bogotá and raised in Zipaquirá, a town in the Andes. He was introduced to cycling by his father and won his first race at age nine. He initially focused on mountain biking, winning silver and bronze at the junior world championships. As a teenager, he turned to road racing and quickly impressed with his climbing strength.

In 2016, Bernal signed with Italian team Androni Giocattoli, bypassing the U23 circuit to race directly with professionals. His breakthrough came in 2017 when he won the prestigious Tour de l’Avenir, a key proving ground for future Grand Tour stars. That performance caught the eye of Team Sky (later Ineos Grenadiers), who bought out his contract and brought him into their squad for 2018.

Bernal hit the ground running at Sky. He won Colombia Oro y Paz in early 2018, became national time trial champion, and claimed the overall win at the Tour of California. Later that year, he made his Tour de France debut as the youngest rider in the race, supporting Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome in the mountains.

In 2019, Bernal’s momentum continued. He won Paris–Nice and the Tour de Suisse and was elevated to Tour de France co-leader after Froome’s injury. What followed was historic.

At just 22 years old, Bernal won the 2019 Tour de France, becoming the first Colombian and first Latin American rider to claim the yellow jersey in Paris. His decisive move came on the Col de l’Iseran, where he dropped his rivals and took control of the race. He became the youngest Tour winner in more than a century.

Back home, Bernal’s triumph was celebrated as a national milestone. Tens of thousands welcomed him back to Zipaquirá, and he was hailed as a hero across Colombia. "This is not just my win," he said, "it belongs to an entire country."

After back problems cut short his 2020 Tour, Bernal shifted focus to the 2021 Giro d’Italia. In his debut, he rode with confidence and authority, taking two stage wins and the maglia rosa. He conquered gravel, rain and high mountains to claim overall victory in Milan. He also won the best young rider classification.

Later that year, Bernal competed in the Vuelta a España, where he finished sixth overall.

Outside of Grand Tours, Bernal has won stage races including Paris–Nice and Tour de Suisse. He also won the Italian one-day race Gran Piemonte and has been a consistent presence in WorldTour events.

In January 2022, Bernal suffered a life-threatening crash during training in Colombia. He collided with a parked bus at high speed and broke over 20 bones, including his spine, femur and ribs. Doctors gave him only a slim chance of walking again.

Despite the severity of the injuries, Bernal began rehabilitation almost immediately. Within months he was back on a stationary bike. Incredibly, just seven months after the crash, he returned to racing at the Tour of Denmark. Simply lining up was considered a victory.

Bernal used 2023 to rebuild his race rhythm. He rode the Tour de France again, this time in support, and completed the race. In 2024, signs of his old form returned. He finished third in the Volta a Catalunya and fourth in the Tour de Suisse, showing he could still compete with the best.

In early 2025, Bernal had a breakthrough moment: he won both the Colombian national time trial and road race titles. These were his first victories since 2021, and they marked a full-circle moment in his recovery. “This one is for everyone who helped me believe,” he said after winning.

Off the bike, Bernal is known for his grounded personality and connection to his roots. He splits time between Colombia and Europe and maintains strong ties to his hometown of Zipaquirá. He is in a long-term relationship with María Fernanda Motas, a Colombian veterinarian who supported him through his recovery. The two are popular among fans for their low-key, down-to-earth dynamic.

Bernal is Catholic and visited the Vatican in 2021 to present a pink jersey to Pope Francis.

Bernal is among the highest-paid cyclists in the world. His contract with Ineos Grenadiers runs through 2026, with an estimated salary of around €2.5 million per year.

• First Colombian to win the Tour de France (2019)
• Youngest Tour winner since 1909
• Winner of two Grand Tours before age 25
• Top 10 finisher in all three Grand Tours

Now 28 years old, Bernal is entering his prime. With his health and form improving and his confidence restored, he is once again dreaming of a third Grand Tour victory. Whether that comes in the Tour, Giro or Vuelta remains to be seen, but his focus is clear.