In a yet-to-be-published story on Cyclingnews, Jonathan Castroviejo describes his Team Ineos teammate Egan Bernal as not your typical South American rider. The pair have grown to know each other well over the last 18 months, having roomed together at several races, including during Bernal's recent win at the Tour de Suisse.
They will bunk up once more at the Tour de France, with Castroviejo acting as Bernal's sounding board, as well as his loyal protector on the road.
At times, despite his successes and vast experience for a 22-year-old, it's easy to forget just how tender in age Bernal actually is. The press was given a glimpse of that when, during his pre-stage press conference, he was asked by one scroll if he knew who Eddy Merckx was. Bernal's English is ever-improving, but he was caught off-guard, perhaps by the relevance of the question. This was not in his Team Ineos briefing notes.
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Team principal Dave Brailsford had to lean into the Colombian's ear and, given a translation and explanation, and after what seemed like an age, Bernal smiled and answered back, 'Yes.'
The response was met with laughter from the press – not at his response per se, but at the time it took for the response to come. But for the briefest of moments, Bernal seemed to think that the cackles were directed at him, and, for that split second, one could see that he didn't understand. It wasn't so much fear in his eyes as simple inexperience in the moment. Castroviejo, however – sat to Bernal's right – was called into action before the race has begun, offering a quiet word of encouragement to his younger teammate.
At this point, with the Tour just about to start, perhaps inexperience, pressure and the fear of the unknown are Bernal's greatest hurdles when it comes to winning a maiden Tour de France.
Joint leadership
'He's ready'
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest Interviews and Features http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/is-pressure-bernals-biggest-hurdle-at-this-years-tour-de-france
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