Egan Bernal: I have some time to play with, I just want to have good legs for the time trial
The Colombian star still leads the Giro d’Italia after Simon Yates took back more time
![Egan Bernal on stage 19 of the Giro d'Italia 2021](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2UiJeA3uHZAhQFi4yJKrfi-415-80.jpg)
Egan Bernal says he still has time to play with as the 2021 Giro d’Italia enters the final two stages.
The Ineos Grenadiers leader still has a comfortable buffer over his rivals after the summit finish at Alpes di Mera on stage 19, as Simon Yates (BikeExchange) attacked to gain more time.
Yates won the stage and picked up another 28 seconds on Bernal, but the Colombian still leads by 2-39 to Damiano Caruso in second, with Yates still third overall at 2-49.
Speaking after the stage, Bernal said: “I felt really good, I did really good numbers, I did a really good climb.
“Of course Yates was the best today and chapeau to him, but I’m really happy with my condition.”
Bernal showed the first cracks in year’s Giro on stage 17 to Sega di Ala, where he lost around 50 seconds to Yates, but after riding conservatively on the final climb on stage 19 he minimised his losses to Yates and gained more time on Caruso (Bahrain Victorious).
There are just two stages remaining of the 2021 Giro, with a mountain stage on day 20 before the final time trial in Milan.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
With more than two minutes to his nearest rival, Bernal is confident he has enough time to win the Giro after the TT.
On the final mountain stage he said: “I hope to have the same legs as today. Today felt really good and tomorrow with the altitude I hope to have the same feelings as today and just try to manage the gap I have with the two guys who are on the podium. Hopefully I will be in pink tomorrow as well.
“I’m really happy. I think I have some time to play with, so I just want to have legs for the time trial and everything should be okay if I’m feeling good.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
'We'd get McDonald's on the way home': Inside Josh Tarling's rise from determined 8-year-old to Olympic favourite
Ahead of his Olympic debut, the European champion and his dad, Michael, look back at the scene that made him
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We see war everywhere, people are losing their dreams': Olympic cyclist who fled Afghanistan aims to inspire hope
Aged just 16, Amir Ansari fled his home and embarked on a 3,000-mile journey in search of safety. Eight years on, he’s about to become an Olympian. Dan Challis hears his story
By Dan Challis Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
How Tadej Pogačar created history and won the Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double
A journey that was supposedly fraught with risk and uncertainty was anything but for Giro d'Italia and Tour de France victor Tadej Pogačar
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Tom Pidcock says Ineos Grenadiers will be 'better' at the Tour de France without Steve Cummings
Netflix series depicted tension between the DS and rider, dynamic sources told Cycling Weekly carries a degree of accuracy
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'dreaming' of taking yellow jersey on opening weekend of Tour de France
British rider hopes to play starring role in Italian Grand Départ
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I think I'll get the opportunity to go for a stage' - Geraint Thomas relishing support role at Tour de France
Former yellow jersey winner says this year's race "could be my last"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Carlos Rodríguez to lead Ineos Grenadiers at Tour de France, supported by Geraint Thomas and Tom Pidcock
British squad will aim to "race aggressively and disrupt" at the French Grand Tour
By Adam Becket Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Tom Pidcock
According to the man himself, he's never had a hangover. It's alright for some.
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock adds extra mountain bike race to schedule, one week before Tour de France
Pidcock confirms he will race World Cup event in Crans Montana, Switzerland ahead of Olympic title defence
By Tom Thewlis Published