RISING STAR
Colombian is the youngest rider to start this year’s race
CARCASSONNE, FRANCE — The youngest rider at the Tour de France is showing all the signs of becoming cycling’s next big star.
Colombia’s Egan Bernal proved his worth — and more — by working as a trailblazer for Sky teammates Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome up the zigzagging ascent of Alpe d’Huez.
Bernal’s effort set up Thomas to win the gruelling 12th stage to strengthen his hold on the yellow jersey, and for Froome to protect second place in a dominant performance by Sky.
The climb up one of the Tour’s iconic climbs promises to be a signature moment for Bernal, who at 21 is the youngest of the 176 riders to start the Tour and yet already appears to have the makings of a winner.
“It felt great to be there on Alpe d’Huez, a mythic climb, and leading the group,” Bernal said. “And on top of that, having Geraint, who is the leader, and Froomey, who is one of the best cyclists in history, right behind. It was important for me.”
The original plan was for Bernal to pull for five kilometres of the demanding ascent. But when the legs flagged on another teammate, he went on for another three kilometres and set a pace that fellow Colombian and two-time Tour runner-up Nairo Quintana couldn’t match.
Froome said he sees his younger self in his precocious partner.
“He’s got an amazing engine. You only have to look at what he did on Alpe d’Huez. For a 21-year-old, that’s amazing,” Froome said on Sunday.
From the city of Zipaquira north of Bogota, Bernal inherited the love of cycling from his father. He competed in his first race at age eight. After excelling on the mountain bike, he switched to road racing, while setting aside plans to study communication.
Last year, Bernal won the Tour de l’Avenir, a race for amateurs similar to the Tour.
He joined Sky this season and was picked for its eight-man team to help Froome shoot for a fifth Tour title.
Bernal crashed near the end of Stage 1 and joined the scores of riders who wiped out on the cobblestones of Roubaix on Stage 9. In the mountains, however, he’s finishing stages among the top riders despite having spent his energy reserves helping his teammates.
Bernal crossed the line of the hilly Stage 13 ahead of Valverde and Mikel Landa, both pre-race contenders. Bernal was 22nd overall after 15 stages.
Sky sports director Nicolas Portal said while Bernal needs to improve his endurance, he expects even bigger things from him.
“We’re really impressed,” Portal said. “I’m sure he is going be one of the big, big stars in the future.”
Rival teams are also taking note. “We have followed him and have seen what he is capable of,” Movistar sports director Jose Luis Arrieta said. “I’m sure the future holds good things for him.”