Although it was clear that he would not win a stage of the Vuelta a España, Egan explained that after the accident he enjoyed the time he spent on the bike much more. This Thursday, on the 18th stage that went from Pola de Allande to La Cruz de Linares (178.9 km), the Colombian showed another example of character and courage by finishing alongside the day’s winner Remco Evenepoel and 160 km ahead of the 12 other runners ran away from the finish line.
Enjoy and persevere, two things Egan clearly demonstrated in this Vuelta a España. His social role has given him a new perspective on the grand tours that even he claimed he had not experienced as a squad leader. With INEOS not having the opportunity to reach the podium, the only thing left to do is try to give the team a prominent position and with what the Colombian did on stage, this was proven.
“Egan Bernal, a fighter, takes seventh place in the stage after a very close day in the breakaway group of Stage 18 of the 2023 Vuelta a España,” the British team posted along with a photo of the Colombian rider.
Egan and his first top 10 at a major after the accident
The Colombian was the one who suggested the way out. At the beginning, five drivers accompanied him, but then seven more rushed to his steering wheel and made a difference of up to 11 minutes. In the end, it was Remco who took advantage of the opportunity and crossed the finish line first. Meanwhile, Egan crossed into seventh place by 4 seconds.
Since his return after the accident, it is the second major event he has taken part in after the Tour de France. At the French round, his best finish was 20th in the second stage of the competition, which took place from Vitoria. Gasteiz to San Sebastian. Now he managed to get into the top 10 in Spain, showing that he is getting closer and closer to returning to his best level.
