Egan Bernal could return to racing before the end of the 2022 season, and his coach, Xabier Artexte, is confident that he will make a full recovery from the terrible injuries he sustained when he crashed into a parked bus in Colombia in January.

The 25-year-old Ineos Grenadiers rider faces a long rehabilitation process but is already working with a physical therapist and is proudly showing off his rapid progress on social media. He is already gently turning his legs on a stationary bike and working on stabilizing his musculoskeletal system.

"If you consider the standard time needed for recovery, the answer would be no," Arteste told La Gazzetta dello Sport about a possible return to racing by the end of 2022. [But Egan is a top-level sportsman and his recovery capacity is above average. I am not going to rule out this possibility. He is working hard to get back as soon as possible, which could be 2023, but it could also be the end of this year. We should not rule out that possibility.

Bernal crashed into a bus at 65 km/h with his time trial bike tipped low and suffered 20 fractures, including his spine, femur, and kneecap. He spent a week in intensive care, where doctors indicated a 95 percent chance of death or paralysis.

On Friday, the 2019 Tour de France winner posted a message on Instagram with a photo of his rehabilitation efforts.

"Good news coming soon," he wrote, without specifying what exactly the update would be; Artexte believes Bernal can return to competing at the highest level and perhaps even return to Grand Tour contention.

"I always tell the team doctors. 'I know there is no scientific basis for what I am saying.' [but I see him working, and once he regains musculoskeletal stability, he may be able to correct his previous weakness and play more balanced.

"He is motivated and has an incredible desire to return. It will make him psychologically stronger. On a path like yours, you don't always make progress; sometimes you feel a small ache or fatigue or take a few steps backward. Fortunately, so far there have been no problems."

Arteste was in Colombia when the accident occurred and was staying there while Bernal received intensive care. He and Ineos Grenadiers have been working closely with the Colombian medical staff while Bernal continues his rehabilitation.

Bernal then posted on Saturday that he was recovering on a stationary bike provided by team sponsor Tacx. However, it will likely take some more time before he can resume riding outdoors.

"The wounds are healing and I will be able to do some hydrotherapy in the pool. My knee and hip are fine now, so it depends more on my back than anything else."

"Little by little I can pedal in a sitting position. I can't go out on the road, but I will be able to ride at home in a comfortable, ergonomic position. I have already ordered a bicycle."