Egan Bernal wants to continue competing in 2027
The Colombian cyclist Egan Bernalfrom Netcompany Ineos and champion of the Tour de France in 2019, expressed this Thursday his intention to start the next season with the British squad, given the rumors that he was considering retiring from professionalism.
“First of all, I have a contract with the team until the end of 2029 and, for now, my intention is to start next season“Bernal said in a statement.
The 29-year-old climber stated that he has given cycling “the best years” of his life and has made sacrifices that have allowed him to win “races that once seemed like impossible dreams,” although he claimed to have learned “that this sport is not only about results, victories or sacrifices”, but “it is also about enjoying the journey and finding motivation.
“This year I decided to end my season after the Tour de France. I felt that I needed some time for myself, to rest, disconnect a little and recover that tranquility that sometimes, with the pace of the competition, is lost,” he expressed.
In that sense, he confessed that he has spoken with Netcompany Ineos and his work team because he wants to give himself “the time and space necessary to face what is coming with the same conviction and dedication” that he says he has had throughout his career.
“I don’t know exactly what the next few years will bring and I don’t think I have to know everything right now either. What I am clear about is that, as long as I continue competing, I want to do so with the conviction that I still have a lot to give. It is not simply about continuing for the sake of continuing, but about having the motivation, the physical and mental strength and the desire to continue being competitive and making a difference,” he added.
This statement by Bernal, also winner of the Giro d’Italia in 2021, is known after his compatriot Nairo Quintana retired after participating in the Giro de Emilia last weekend, thus beginning to say goodbye to the protagonists of the golden era of Colombian cycling.
