'I felt like I was going to die' – Egan Bernal reveals abnormally high heart rate was behind his struggles on Giro d'Italia stage 4 climb

Egan Bernal faced significant difficulties during stage 4 of the Giro d’Italia, revealing that an abnormally high heart rate was the primary cause of his struggles on the Cozzo Tunno climb. The Colombian rider, co-leader for Netcompany Ineos, experienced a pulse exceeding 190 beats per minute for over 20 minutes, which forced him to ease off despite feeling no pain in his legs. Bernal described the sensation as akin to revving a car engine at full throttle, leaving him on the limit and ultimately unable to maintain the pace set by Movistar. Despite the setback, Bernal managed to avoid losing time on the stage, thanks in large part to the support of teammate Ben Turner. Turner sacrificed his own chances by pacing Bernal back on the descent to Cosenza, enabling the leader to rejoin the peloton close to the finish. Turner’s selfless effort was acknowledged by Bernal, who expressed gratitude for his teammate’s assistance during a challenging moment. Netcompany Ineos directeur sportif Elia Viviani suggested that Bernal’s difficulties might have been exacerbated by the rest day prior to the stage, which can disrupt a rider’s rhythm. Viviani noted that the combination of the rest day and the high tempo imposed by Movistar on the climb placed many riders under severe strain. This context helps explain why Bernal, despite his condition, was able to limit his losses and remain competitive in the general classification. Turner, who finished fourth on the stage, was visibly emotional but accepted the team’s tactics, recognising the importance of teamwork in such demanding races. He expressed hope that Bernal would secure a stage victory in the Giro, acknowledging the Colombian’s talent and determination. The incident underlines the unpredictable nature of grand tours and the physical limits even elite athletes can encounter during intense competition.