A Colombian professional road cyclist who won the 2019 Tour de France, becoming the first Latin American to do so, and is known for his climbing abilities.
Egan Bernal, a Colombian professional cyclist, catapulted to international fame in 2019 when he became the first Latin American rider to win the Tour de France. At just 22 years old, he was also the youngest winner of the prestigious event since 1909, solidifying his position as one of the most talented and promising young cyclists in the world.
Born on January 13, 1997, in Bogotá, Colombia, Bernal grew up in Zipaquirá, where his father, Germán, worked at the Salt Cathedral. It was his father who introduced him to cycling at the tender age of five, gifting him a second-hand bicycle. Bernal's natural talent and dedication quickly shone through, and by nine, he had won his first race in his hometown, earning a training scholarship as a prize.
Bernal initially focused on mountain biking, excelling in the sport and winning races in Brazil, Costa Rica, and the United States. He also secured silver and bronze medals in the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships junior cross-country events in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
In 2016, Bernal was signed by Gianni Savio to the Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec team on a four-year contract. He bypassed the usual U23 career route, diving straight into senior racing. With a VO2 max reading of 88.8ml/kg/min, he quickly proved himself, achieving top 20 results in the La Méditerranéenne, GP Industria & Artigianato, Settimana Internazionale di Coppi e Bartali, and Giro del Trentino. He went on to win the Tour of Bihor and finished fourth in both the Tour de Slovenie and the Tour de l'Avenir.
In 2019, Bernal's Tour de France victory cemented his status as a cycling superstar. He became the first Colombian rider to win the General Classification, as well as the youngest winner in over 100 years. His impressive performance earned him a contract with Ineos Grenadiers, one of the top cycling teams in the world. In 2021, he added another Grand Tour win to his résumé, taking the Giro d'Italia title.
Bernal's remarkable journey is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for cycling. He believes that cycling has the power to bring people together, transcend borders, and inspire future generations. Through his success, he aims to promote cycling as a tool for social change and community development in Colombia and beyond.
Bernal's achievements have inspired a new generation of cyclists in Colombia and Latin America, paving the way for increased participation and investment in the sport. His success has also highlighted the importance of grassroots development programs, emphasizing the need for support systems that nurture young talent and provide opportunities for cyclists from diverse backgrounds.
Bernal's remarkable story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring cyclists around the world. His commitment to his craft, coupled with his down-to-earth personality, has made him a beloved figure in the cycling community. His rags-to-riches tale is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and passion, inspiring countless young athletes to chase their dreams.
As Bernal continues to dominate the cycling world, fans and pundits alike are eager to see what the future holds for this Colombian sensation. With his talent, dedication, and Ineos Grenadiers' support, he is poised to become one of the most successful cyclists of all time, potentially claiming multiple Grand Tour titles and breaking numerous records along the way.
41 Years Old
A dominant force in professional road racing, winning four Tour de France titles and holding the record for most Grand Tour wins.
40 Years Old
A dominant force in professional road racing, winning the Tour de France in 2018 and multiple Olympic gold medals. Known for his exceptional climbing abilities and versatility in various terrains.
35 Years Old
A Dutch professional road bicycle racer who won the 2017 Giro d'Italia and is known for his time-trialling skills. He's a prominent figure in the world of professional cycling.
