TL;DR
Egan Bernal says he intends to begin the 2027 season, but has not settled on what the next few years in professional cycling will hold. The Colombian, who has a contract with Netcompany-Ineos through 2029, said he wants time to rest and continue only while he has the motivation and ability to compete.
Egan Bernal intends to start the 2027 season, the Colombian rider said Thursday, while acknowledging that he does not know what the next few years will bring and wants time to consider his future in professional cycling. His comments followed a report that he was thinking about retirement; Bernal did not announce a retirement and said he has a contract with Netcompany-Ineos through the end of 2029.
In an Instagram post, Bernal said his current plan is to return next season, but qualified that intention as applying “for now.” He wrote that he wants to take the time and space needed to approach what comes next with the conviction and dedication he has brought to his career. He did not give a date for making a longer-term decision.
Bernal said he ended his season after the Tour de France because he felt he needed time to rest, disconnect and regain some tranquillity. He rode both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France this year, finishing 10th at the Giro. He has not raced since the Tour.
The 29-year-old said continuing would depend on more than simply remaining in the sport: he wants to have the motivation, physical and mental strength, and desire to stay competitive. He also reflected on the sacrifices and achievements of his career, saying he could look back with pride and no regrets. His statement describes uncertainty about the years ahead, not a confirmed change to his contract or a retirement decision.
Bernal Leaves Retirement Open
Bernal’s remarks matter because they address a question raised publicly about the future of one of Colombia’s best-known road cyclists. His statement offers a near-term indication—he intends to begin the next season—without promising that he will continue for the full length of his contract or specifying how long he expects to race.
For his team and supporters, the distinction is material: a 2027 start is his stated intention, while his longer-term plans remain unsettled. Bernal’s emphasis on motivation and physical and mental readiness also makes clear that a contract alone does not settle whether he will keep competing.
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Career Shaped by Major Comeback
Bernal has ridden for the team now known as Netcompany-Ineos since 2018. He won the Tour de France in 2019 and the Giro d’Italia in 2021, and is the reigning Colombian national champion. He also won a stage of the Vuelta a España last year.
His career was interrupted by a life-threatening training crash in Colombia in 2022. Bernal suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured right femur; doctors at the time said he faced a 95% chance of dying or being paralysed, according to the supplied report. He returned to racing after extensive recovery and competed in both Grand Tours this season.
On Wednesday, journalist Daniel Benson reported that Bernal was considering retirement. Bernal’s Instagram statement followed a day later, setting out his present intention to race next season while leaving his wider future unresolved.
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Long-Term Plans Remain Unsettled
Bernal has not said whether he expects to race beyond next season, when he will make a decision, or whether his current contract will run its course. The reported retirement consideration came from journalist Daniel Benson; Bernal’s post neither confirmed that he plans to retire nor set out a decision to do so. It is also not clear what role his team will have in determining his schedule or plans.
His stated intention to start next season is not a guarantee that he will race, nor does it specify which events he could target. Those details have not been announced in the supplied material.
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Focus Turns to the 2027 Season
For now, Bernal says he plans to start the 2027 season and take time to rest and reflect. He has not identified a first race, training timetable or return-to-competition date. Further clarity is likely to depend on his own decision and any subsequent update from the rider or team; no specific announcement date has been given.
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Key Questions
Has Egan Bernal announced his retirement?
No. Bernal said he does not know exactly what the next few years will hold. He said his intention is to start next season “for now.”
What did Bernal say about his contract?
He said he has a contract with Netcompany-Ineos through the end of 2029. That does not establish whether he will race for the full contract period.
When did Bernal last race?
According to the report, he has not raced since this year’s Tour de France. He said he chose to end his season after the Tour to rest and take time for himself.
What has Bernal achieved in his career?
Bernal won the Tour de France in 2019 and the Giro d’Italia in 2021. He is the reigning Colombian national champion and won a Vuelta a España stage last year.
Source: rss
