Geraint Thomas reveals his Critérium du Dauphiné attack wasn’t planned
The winner of stage five says he thought ‘sod it, just go for it’
Geraint Thomas revealed his thrilling Critérium du Dauphiné solo attack wasn’t part of the plan.
The Ineos Grenadiers leader launched a sneak attack just over 1km from the finish of stage five, diving into a tight right-hand turn at the front of the leading group.
Thomas was just able to hold off the chasers, with Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Victorious) very nearly catching the Welshman.
Speaking after the finish, Thomas said: “It wasn’t planned. I knew Bahrain didn’t have any guys left. I knew the last bit was a bit twisty so I just thought ‘sod it, just go for it’.
“I went with 1km to go, the boys said on the radio I had a gap, so I just went all in.
“To be honest I didn’t think I had that on the line. I just sat up two metres before to start to give it the big ‘boom’ [celebration]. Colbrelli came so fast he nearly took my arm off, but it’s really nice to get that win.”
Thomas was keen for redemption after a disappointing time trial on stage four, as he lost 23 seconds to the stage winner Alexey Lutsenko (Astana-Premier Tech) over 16km.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
But with his stage win, Thomas claws back some time with a 10 second time bonus, moving into sixth place overall, 24 seconds off the race lead.
Thomas added: “[I was] definitely disappointed in yesterday. It was a combination of not great legs but also riding it badly and dying in the second half completely where you need to be strongest.
“It’s nice to bounce back.”
>>> Chris Froome: ‘I don’t go from this level to winning the Tour de France in a few weeks’
Thomas is now the best-placed Ineos rider, but is just two seconds ahead of team-mate Richie Porte.
The GC race continues on stage six with a tough uphill finish, featuring the Col de Porte and the Côte de la Frette in the final.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Lip service isn't good enough: here's what needs to change for cycling events to actually be inclusive
These are the key actions that make an event actually inclusive and do more than just lip service.
By Marley Blonsky Published
-
Ask a coach: ‘Should I cycle commute every day?’
The length of your commute is a major factor; but there are ways to adapt your routine to maximise on the gains of riding into work
By Alex Welburn Published
-
Giro d'Italia 2024 start list: Geraint Thomas to lead 'aggressive' Ineos Grenadiers
All the teams and riders for the 107th Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket Published
-
'It was one of the hardest days of my life' - Rain and cold lay waste to Tour of the Alps
Juanpe López takes stage three victory, while Geraint Thomas finishes three minutes down in inclement Austrian weather
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published