Former Tour de France winner Egan Bernal has clinched his first victory since suffering a severe accident during training in 2022.

The 28-year-old cyclist emerged triumphant in the time trial championship of Colombia on Thursday, marking the end of a three-year interval without a title.

Bernal, who currently rides for the British team INEOS Grenadiers, rose to prominence in the cycling world in 2019 when he captured the Tour de France at just 22, becoming the first cyclist from South America to achieve this remarkable feat.

He followed this success by securing the Giro d’Italia in 2021. However, his career faced a significant setback when he crashed into a stationary bus while training in Bogotá, resulting in severe injuries, including fractures to his right femur and kneecap, multiple broken ribs and vertebrae, a punctured lung, and chest trauma.

End of a Long Wait

After a prolonged wait for his return, Bernal shared his emotions on social media platform X, stating, “1347 days have passed since my last victory, today (I won) the TT national championship.”

He reflected on his struggles, admitting, “I had thought about retiring several times, but one day I promised myself that I would win again.” In his post, he expressed gratitude, writing, “I dedicate this to God for having given me a second chance to live. Many people have been part of this process, and I can only give them my thanks.”

This victory in the time trial is Bernal’s second championship in this event, having previously won it in 2018.