Egan Bernal has denied rumors that he is frustrated with Ineos Grenadiers and is considering a move to the team this winter.

In September, reports in the Italian media were picked up by Colombian newspapers, leading to speculation over the future of the former Tour de France champion and current Giro d'Italia champion.

Ineos Grenadiers boss Dave Brailsford noted that Bernal has two more years left on his current contract, but the Colombian has so far avoided commenting publicly on the matter.

The 24-year-old is in Dubai this weekend for the Giro d'Italia criterium, where he spoke to Cyclingnews about his plans to return to the Tour de France next year, and speculation from "Marca" (open in new tab), especially Israeli startup Asked about his ties to the state.

"I have never spoken to Israel," Bernal said.

"Obviously a lot of things get talked about and are in the news, but I didn't want to get into the game of 'it's not going anywhere' or anything like that. It didn't happen."

Bernal also mentioned his frustration with team tactics at the Vuelta a España, where he shared leadership with Adam Yates, as the basis for speculation.

The two were behind Primoš Roglic and were in fifth and sixth place, respectively, until the final stage.

"No, no, no. Honestly, no," Bernal said when asked if he had any problems with the team or Yates during the Vuelta.

"I got along really well with Yates. He's a really calm and classy rider. It went really well. It was my first race with him and everything was fine. Honestly, no problems."

Bernal is set to lead Ineos Grenadier in next year's Tour de France, and despite being the defending Giro champion, he told Cycling News that "it's time to come back to the Tour."

Bernal won the Tour in 2019 at age 22, but abandoned early the following year after suffering a back injury. In addition to Yates, Ineos Grenadiers has Geraint Thomas, Richard Kalapas, Tao Geoghegan Hart, and Pavel Sivakov in the Grand Tour leader equation.