Egan Bernal: ‘Sosa was almost stronger than me’
The Tour de France winner was full of praise for his team-mate after his most recent victory
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uxgoR6iGZovbj7vmUgtRjN-415-80.jpg)
Egan Bernal admitted that team-mate Ivan Sosa was “almost stronger than him” in the final of Gran Piemonte 2019.
Team Ineos were remarkable in their dominance during the final of the Italian one-day race, leading the peloton for the entire final and holding an unmatchable pace to set up their man Bernal.
With 5km to race, it was Colombians Ivan Sosa and Bernal at the front of a select group of climbing talent, but no one could match Sosa when he jumped out of the saddle for one last push.
>>> This is who the bookies are backing to win Il Lombardia 2019
After emptying himself for Bernal, the 21-year-old recovered enough to steal second place in the final 50 metres, making it a Team Ineos one-two.
Speaking after the stage, 2019 Tour de France winner Bernal said: "I was feeling really good during the race. I asked the guys to do a good tempo.
“Sosa did a really, really good job. I won the race but I think Sosa was almost stronger than me.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“In the final I saw that there were two of us, I tried to go full gas until the finish. Sosa also did a really good job and he’s shown that he is one of the strongest in the peloton on the climbs."
The pair know each other well, both joining Ineos from Italian Pro Continental outfit Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec.
Sosa has shown himself almost a match for the talent of his compatriot, winning two stages and the overall at the Vuelta a Burgos in August.
However, he has some way to go to equal Bernal, who this summer became the youngest Tour de France winner in the modern era and the first Colombian to take the yellow jersey.
Bernal looks to be one of the favourites ahead of the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia, this Saturday (October 12).
>>> Il Lombardia 2019: Provisional start list
The 22-year-old said after the Piemonte victory: “I’m really happy. This morning when I woke up I was thinking about doing a good race, but to win is always difficult.
“I’m really happy because it’s my first win in Italy. I’ve been doing a lot of races here and it’s my first success in Piemonte. It’s the region in which I was living for two years, so it’s really special to win here.”
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.
-
Unbound Gravel lottery opens two months early, ensuring riders are 'more prepared than ever'
Registration for the 2025 Unbound Gravel will open on Friday, November 1, 2024, and close two weeks later, on November 15. Lottery winners will be announced on November 21, 2024.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Star triathlete Taylor Knibb to take on world's fastest cyclists in the Olympic time trial
Colorado-based 26-year-old Taylor Knibb will be representing Team USA in both the individual time trial and triathlon at the Paris Olympics.
By Kristin Jenny 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
-
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
-
5 things we learned from the first week of the 2024 Giro d’Italia
The Italian Grand Tour is firmly underway and Tadej Pogačar is in the pink jersey. Here are our takeaways from the first week of action
By Tom Thewlis Published