MONFORTE DE LEMOS, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 07: Egan Bernal of Colombia and Team INEOS Grenadiers competes in the breakaway during the La Vuelta - 80th Tour of Spain 2025, Stage 15 a 167.8km stage from A Veiga-Vegadeo to Monforte de Lemos / #UCIWT / on September 07, 2025 in Monforte de Lemos, Spain. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
Egan Bernal, the 2019 Tour de France winner, showcased resilience in Stage 15 of the Vuelta a España, participating actively in a significant breakaway after experiencing a setback the previous day. Following a challenging stage where he lost nearly 22 minutes on the road to the Farrapona summit, Bernal bounced back with renewed determination.
The Colombian cyclist was part of a large group of 45 riders that broke away early on the demanding course through central Galicia, which featured over 3,500 metres of vertical elevation gain. Bernal joined a select group of seven cyclists, including teammate Magnus Sheffield, who attempted to catch the day’s leading duo, Jay Vine from UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Louis Vervaeke of Soudal-QuickStep.
Despite his efforts, Bernal finished sixth in the final sprint, having tested the limits of the group with multiple attacks in the closing kilometres. Although he was unable to secure a podium finish, Bernal described his participation as a rejuvenating experience. “It was nice to do that and be in a break, something very different,” he stated.
The stage concluded with a flat finish, making it challenging for climbers like Bernal to assert their dominance. “It was very complicated in a finish like that, especially with guys like [Mads] Pedersen in the move,” he added, referencing the strong competition. Bernal’s strategy for the day was clear: he aimed to create opportunities for Sheffield, who unfortunately crashed in the final corner just behind stage winner Pedersen of Lidl-Trek.
Bernal’s return to form on the 152-kilometre stage has propelled him back into 14th place overall, trailing leader Jonas Vingegaard by 15 minutes and 42 seconds. As the Vuelta progresses towards Madrid, Bernal’s focus will likely shift to succeeding in breakaway attempts, reminiscent of his performance in the 2023 edition, where he finished seventh in a mountain stage and ultimately placed 55th overall.
The Vuelta a España continues to present unique challenges, and for Bernal, the experience of racing outside the standard general classification battle has proven refreshing. His performance in Stage 15 underscores a commitment to perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity, qualities that will be essential as he navigates the remaining stages of this Grand Tour.
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