Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) returns to racing this week, making his season debut and making a comeback from a horrific crash during winter training at the Tour of Denmark.

The Colombian, winner of the 2019 Tour de France and 2021 Giro d'Italia, had been away from racing for nearly eight months after suffering life-threatening injuries when he crashed into the back of a bus while training in Colombia in late January.

After fracturing his vertebrae and undergoing multiple emergency surgeries in the intensive care unit, Bernal was considered lucky to survive and it was uncertain whether he would return to cycling, let alone this year.

However, his recovery went much faster than anyone had imagined, and already in the spring Bernal had recovered enough to be rumored to return in the fall.

After the Vuelta a España, Vuelta a Burgos, and the Tour of Deutschland, he was selected for the Ineos Grenadiers of the Tour of Denmark, which runs from Tuesday to Saturday.

"After all that happened in January, I was looking forward to racing again with my teammates.

"I can't stress enough how hard the last eight months have been, both physically and mentally. That day and the journey since then will forever be a part of me and something I will never forget. The support I've received from my family, my girlfriend, my team, the Ineos, and my fans. People rely on each other in times of need, and this year was a real time of need for me. That support has been invaluable in motivating me every day to do my best so that I can race again. I am sincerely grateful to all of you."

After two weeks in the hospital, Bernal returned home in early February. Just a week later, he was able to rotate his legs on a recumbent exercise bike.

By early March, he was able to ride his race bike on an indoor trainer, and by the end of the month he was able to ride on public roads. Since then, he has been amazed by his progress, racking up kilometers while incorporating sprints and efforts to regain his professional form.

The team training camp in Andorra was a pivotal moment, and the two-week block effectively confirmed that he will be able to return to racing before the end of the year. He will undergo a final medical check over the weekend, which will become a reality on Tuesday.

"Considering what happened to Egan just eight months ago, his progress is incredible," said Deputy Team Principal Rod Ellingworth.

"He has shown the world his true strength and has shown incredible grit to get back in the race. We are still on the road with Egan, but lining up at the Tour of Denmark is an important and hard-earned milestone."

The Tour of Denmark will feature five days of racing, including two bunch sprints, one 12km time trial, a 240km gravel sector, and a punchy climbing stage at the finish.