Geraint Thomas reflects on 'bittersweet' Tirreno-Adriatico podium spot
Geraint Thomas is happy that Sky team-mate Michal Kwiatkowski won Tirreno-Adriatico overall, but rues bad luck that cost himself the leader's jersey
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pkBUuRuRrSY7ZXWFwMJyo-415-80.jpg)
Michal Kwiatkowski and Geraint Thomas on the Tirreno-Adriatico podium. Photo by Yuzuru Sunada
Geraint Thomas described his third place overall at Tirreno-Adriatico as 'bittersweet' as he was left to reflect on what could have been had be not suffered from a badly-timed mechanical that saw him lose the race lead.
The Welshman put in a strong performance during Tirreno-Adriatico's final time trial around San Benedetto Del Tronto on Tuesday to move ahead of former Team Sky team-mate Mikel Landa (Movsitar) and elevate himself to a podium position.
However, had it not been for a jammed chain on stage four – the race's main climbing stage – that saw him lose the race lead and significant time over his rivals, it could have been Thomas stood on the top step rather than team-mate Michal Kwiatkowski.
“After the back luck on the mountain stage it’s nice to get back on the podium," said Thomas after the final stage.
"It’s still bittersweet in a way, as when you’re in the position I was in you want to win. A lot of people have said ‘don’t worry, your hard work will pay off and your luck will change’ – but I still want to win this race."
>>> ‘It’s frustrating’: Geraint Thomas on losing Tirreno-Adriatico lead due to jammed chain
However disappointed he felt, Thomas said the loss of the lead had to be put 'into perspective' as he reflected on the death of Michele Scarponi in a training ride collision last year.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"That’s the way it goes, but also you’ve got to put it into perspective. Finishing (stage five) where Michele Scarponi came from really brings it home. It is just a bike race."
“It’s been a good week for the team. Good job to Kwiato for finishing it off, and having us both on the podium is a nice way to finish.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWVoFpEyh_I
It is the second stage race of 2018 that Kwiatkowski has won after Thomas had been in the lead. He clinched the overall victory in the Volta ao Algarve after taking the final stage victory from an escape, taking the lead away from Thomas.
Kwiatkowski commiserated with Thomas after Tirreno, but equally hailed the team effort that helped to propel him to the win – Team Sky's first victory in Tirreno-Adriatico.
"I'm happy me and G [Thomas] could finish on the podium. I know he had some back luck but at the end of the day we played it tactically really well," said Kwiatkowski. "It was a really good race, straight from the start in the team time trial."
As well as two podium places overall, new Sky signing Jonathan Castroviejo placed third in the time trial behind stage winner Rohan Dennis (BMC), with Sky's Gianni Moscon in fifth.
Tipped to put in a good performance in the final time trial, Tour de France and Vuelta a España winner Chris Froome completed a relatively quiet outing in the race with 11th in the TT, and 34th overall.
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
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
Primož Roglič reveals he suffered back fracture in Tour de France crash
Slovenian abandoned race after being caught up in crash on stage 12, Vuelta a España participation now in doubt
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Paris 2024 Olympics time trials: Everything you need to know
Information about the course, timings, favourites, startlists and TV channels for the individual time trials
By Tom Davidson Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ill Geraint Thomas battling to remain in Tour de France
The 2018 Tour de France winner is showing mild symptoms of Covid
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
'It was damage limitation': Tom Pidcock, Jai Hindley react to losing time on Tour de France stage two
"There’s going to be minutes in three weeks. 21 seconds doesn't mean anything," says Tom Pidcock after first blows dealt from the favourites in Bologna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock says Ineos Grenadiers will be 'better' at the Tour de France without Steve Cummings
Netflix series depicted tension between the DS and rider, dynamic sources told Cycling Weekly carries a degree of accuracy
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'dreaming' of taking yellow jersey on opening weekend of Tour de France
British rider hopes to play starring role in Italian Grand Départ
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I think I'll get the opportunity to go for a stage' - Geraint Thomas relishing support role at Tour de France
Former yellow jersey winner says this year's race "could be my last"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Geraint Thomas not picked by GB during his final Olympic cycle
Double gold medallist misses out on spot in five-man road team
By Adam Becket Published
-
Carlos Rodríguez to lead Ineos Grenadiers at Tour de France, supported by Geraint Thomas and Tom Pidcock
British squad will aim to "race aggressively and disrupt" at the French Grand Tour
By Adam Becket Published