A special place in his heart — and a new chapter in the making
Four years after capturing his first Giro d’Italia crown, Egan Bernal is officially back in the lineup for the 2025 edition — this time, as co-leader for the powerhouse Ineos Grenadiers squad.
Bernal’s return isn’t just symbolic — it’s a calculated move by a team with serious podium ambitions. After a harrowing crash in early 2022 that threatened not just his career but his life, Bernal’s path back to Italy has been one of pure resilience and fierce determination.
At 28, Bernal has already amassed a Tour de France and Giro title — but the journey since his 2022 crash has tested his mettle. After missing the Giro in both 2023 and 2024, he returns now with a mix of hunger and hard-earned perspective.
Earlier this year, his season kicked off with promise, clinching his first post-crash victory. That momentum was disrupted by a broken collarbone in the Clásica Jaén, but Bernal rebounded with a strong seventh-place finish at the Volta a Catalunya — a clear signal he’s back in fighting shape.
The Ineos Strategy: Dual Leadership with Arensman
Bernal will share the reins with Dutch climbing specialist Thymen Arensman, who has twice landed sixth in previous Giro campaigns. The dual-leader strategy gives Ineos a tactical edge in the GC battle, with Bernal’s experience and Arensman’s consistency forming a formidable 1-2 punch.
“The Giro holds a special place in my heart… I’m both motivated and grateful to be back and leading the team again alongside Thymen,” Bernal said in the team’s press release.
Despite a bumpy start to 2025, Bernal’s recovery plan was on point. “We had a good rehab plan and I was able to get back on the bike quickly,” he noted. Backed by a solid training block and renewed fire, he’s not returning to the Giro for a lap of honor — he’s returning to contend.
“The team is hungry and we are going to be coming out fighting every day,” Bernal declared. For fans and bettors alike, that’s a signal worth noting: Ineos will be a daily force in the mountain stages and beyond.
If you’re eyeing betting markets for this year’s Giro, Bernal’s inclusion adds complexity — and opportunity. Once an outright favorite, he’s now a high-value wildcard with podium upside. With Arensman potentially absorbing early GC pressure, Bernal could strike in the high mountains or benefit from team dynamics that confuse rivals.
- Outright Podium Odds: Expect Bernal to be priced slightly outside the top 3 — a tempting value bet.
- Stage Wins: Mountain stages in the second and third weeks could be his moment to shine.
- GC Strategy: Dual-leader format allows tactical depth — watch for breakaway days and team time trials.
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