'I'm 29, but I almost feel old' – Egan Bernal reflects on the changing landscape of cycling as he returns to Giro d'Italia with GC hopes once again

Egan Bernal is preparing for his third Giro d’Italia appearance with renewed determination, despite reflecting on how much professional cycling has evolved since his early successes. Now 29, Bernal acknowledges the shifting landscape where younger riders are achieving top results earlier and teams are more willing to invest in their development and expect immediate performance. Having won the Tour de France at just 22 and the Giro in 2021, Bernal feels somewhat older in comparison to the rising generation but remains motivated to contend for general classification honours once again. Bernal’s recent form has been encouraging, highlighted by a second-place finish at the Tour of the Alps alongside his Netcompany Ineos teammate Thymen Arensman. Although a knee injury limited his racing this spring, Bernal sees the reduced race calendar as a blessing in disguise, allowing him to arrive at the Giro fresh and ready to compete. His seventh-place finish at last year’s Giro marked his best Grand Tour result since a serious training accident in early 2022, signalling a promising return to form. Despite some perceptions that this year’s Giro route might be less demanding, Bernal insists the race will remain as challenging as ever. He emphasises the toughness of early stages, including steep climbs in Bulgaria and the notorious Blockhaus ascent, as well as the decisive mountain stages in the final week. For Bernal, the terrain and intensity of the Giro continue to offer a stern test, ensuring that the race will be fiercely contested through to the finish in Rome. Reflecting on his career trajectory, Bernal contrasts his early breakthrough as a rare phenomenon with the current trend of younger riders being given more opportunities and responsibilities within their teams. He notes that while the approach to nurturing young talent has changed, his own enthusiasm and commitment to the sport remain as strong as when he first turned professional in Italy with Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec in 2016. As he embarks on his eleventh Grand Tour, Bernal is focused on making the most of his experience and seizing any chance to challenge the likes of race favourite Jonas Vingegaard.