Egan Bernal reveals details of his recent grueling workouts, including a steep seven-hour ride and a dramatic video of him training in a downpour.

The Colombian is aiming to return to top form next season after a life-threatening accident last January and a long battle to recover from major injuries.

In images posted on his social media, the Ineos Grenadiers racer can be seen training on his bike in heavy rain, accompanied by his father, whom he recently described as his "guardian angel."

"I don't know who to tell this to, but ...... If you have a purpose, fight for it, no matter the conditions, no matter how up or down the scale! Says the 2019 Tour de France champion."

"No matter how bad it gets, make yourself comfortable, that's the most important thing."

The message received a positive response in the local media, with the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo (opens in new tab) headlining an article: "Egan Bernal: No limits. The 'terrible storm' he 'beat' in training."

On Tuesday, Bernal set a new record of 7 hours and 270 kilometers, earning him the "apocalypse" tag he likes to give to the toughest rides of his training.

Setting out with a group that included Ineos Grenadiers teammate Brandon Rivera and Colombia-based veteran Oscar Sevilla, he rode from his home in Zipaquila to Tunja and back again in a straight line from Tunja. [Average speed 38.5 km/h, standardized power output 214 watts, energy consumption over 4,500 kj.

According to his Strava account, Bernal has averaged over 6,000 meters of vertical climbing per week for the past four years, training over 21 hours per week.

Bernal will start his season at the Vuelta a San Juan on January 22. He is already hoping to return to the Tour de France next summer.

"Bernal will almost certainly start at the hot Vuelta a San Juan in Argentina, and Ganna will be there," Ineos director sportif Matteo Tosatto told La Gazzetta dello Sport a few weeks ago.

"Egan needs to build up his endurance and get into the rhythm of the race, so I expect short stage races of five or six days, like the Algarve, Ruta del Sol, Valenciana, and the UAE Tour.

Many of Bernal's European-based teammates are also currently in Spain for training camps.