Geraint Thomas building form for Paris-Nice and classics tilts

Fresh off his overall victory at the Volta ao Algarve, Geraint Thomas admits his classics form is building nicely.

The 27-year-old Team Sky man led the race from stage two, when his solo effort at the end of the stage propelled him into the yellow jersey. André Greipel took Sunday’s final stage as Thomas did enough to retain the lead.

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And while Thomas admits he wasn’t Team Sky’s first choice leader going into the race, the form he showed in the process of winning the race will hold him in good stead for his next stage race, Paris-Nice in early March.

“Richie [Porte] was the leader coming into the race but I took my chance on the second day and I happened to get the jersey,” he told the Team Sky website. “It’s gone amazingly well. For the team – two stages, the overall and the mountains jersey – it’s been a really good, enjoyable week.

“I’m just happy to get the win. We’ve got a big month ahead with Paris-Nice and the classics. The form seems to be building nicely so I’m looking forward to the next few weeks.

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“You look at the previous [Volta Algarve] winners and there are a lot of strong guys there. There are a lot of strong teams here too. I don’t get to win very often so it’s really nice.”