During the Christmas season, Egan Bernal always makes a cameo appearance as Santa Claus, handing out toys to children in the 83 community of Bolívar, his hometown of Zipaquirá.
The former Tour de France and Tour de Italy driver recently returned to his native Colombia (Ineos Grenadiers) from Aviers' Spanish training camp. Although he has moved to another area of Sipaquira in northern Bogotá, he is still worried about where he grew up.
On December 14, Christmas Eve, Bernal, along with his family and friends, distributed about 800 toys to children in the community.
In a video posted on social media, Bernal said: "It's a great tradition to give toys to the children in my hometown, and when I come back here, it will bring joy to the children and fill my own heart with warmth." I didn't do it for the sake of eyeballs, it was all my willingness because I had a lot of affection for the place where I grew up. ”
Bernal won the Tour de Italy in 2021 and finished sixth in the Tour de La Tour de La Ciudad, but he may not be fighting for the defending Tour de Italy in 2022, as he has basically decided to appear next year as the Tour de France. He will be on the same stage with UAEA's Tadej Poga ar and Jumbo's Primo Rogli.
When Bernal is fully recovered and no longer plagued by a back injury, he is the best hope for The Ineos Grenadiers to win the Tour de France again, and even if there are more than 50km of time trials in the Tour de France next year, he will still be the team's best choice for the Tour de France. His teammate Richard Carapaz is relatively better suited to go to the Ring, which has fewer time trials and more mountain stages.
After confirming next year's goals, Bernal told foreign media not long ago: "We have deviated from the original direction, now it is time to return to the rhythm of the race in 2019, we will do our best in next year's Tour de France." "
Bernal admitted earlier this month that his back injury has not improved this season, he has been playing against back injuries, and treatment has become part of his regular training and recovery plan. But he recently told foreign media: "Although we are still monitoring my recovery through physical therapy courses and intensive training in the gym, I think I have fully recovered and I hope that next season I will no longer be plagued by injuries and meet the challenges of the new season in the best condition." “
Edit: Johnny
Image source: Ineos official website