According to [La Gazzetta dello Sport (opens in new tab)], Ineos Grenadiers has chosen the five-day German stage race as Plan A for his return to Bernal. The final decision is likely to depend on the doctor's clearance.

The 25-year-old Colombian, who has not raced since completing last year's Vuelta a España, spent two weeks in intensive care after sustaining life-threatening injuries when he crashed into a parked bus in Colombia during training in January. Two months after the accident, however, he was back on his bike, and has recently been intensifying his training by participating in the Ineos Grenadiers' high altitude camp in Andorra.

Bernal is now at home in Europe, in Monaco, where he continues to upload videos of his latest interval training sessions and hopes to return to racing.

"Someone once told me: Rome is not built in a day. And after much hard work and perseverance, I can't wait to race again," he said in a message three weeks ago.

On Tuesday, he posted a video of him doing 30-second uphill intervals. He added: "Working between love and hate. I'm ready to go!" He wrote of his workout.

There were reports that he would return to racing at the Vuelta a España in July, but Bernal, appearing on Vincenzo Nibali's Twitch channel Squalo TV, immediately ruled out a Grand Tour appearance and said he was aiming for the Italian Classics later in the season He said.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bernal could line up alongside Filippo Ganna in the Deutschland Tour (August 24-28) if he is cleared by his doctor.

Ineos Grenadiers has always tried to quash speculation and reports about Bernal's return to racing, refusing to give a possible date for his return.

The team declined to respond to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport when contacted by Cycling News.