'Without him, I would already be minutes down' – Egan Bernal thanks teammate Ben Turner for saving him on Giro d'Italia's tricky fourth stage

Egan Bernal publicly credited teammate Ben Turner for "saving" his Giro d'Italia campaign during the tricky Stage 4. The Colombian champion, dropped on the final climb to Andora, stated that without Turner's dedicated support and pacing, he would have lost "minutes" rather than the relatively contained 40 seconds to stage winner Jonathan Milan. This crucial assistance allowed Bernal to limit his losses and remain within touching distance of the General Classification contenders.

This incident highlights the enduring importance of selfless domestique work, especially for a GC hopeful like Bernal, who is still finding his form after his severe 2022 accident. While his Ineos Grenadiers team has been a dominant force in Grand Tours, Bernal's personal recovery and fluctuating performance levels mean he often requires more direct support than in his prime. Turner's timely intervention prevented a potentially devastating time deficit so early in the race, keeping Bernal's GC aspirations viable and demonstrating the team's commitment to their former champion.

Ultimately, it's a stark reminder that even a Grand Tour winner can be utterly reliant on the unsung heroes of the peloton. Turner's ride was a masterclass in controlled damage limitation, a skill often overlooked but always essential.