'I'm a lot better than three weeks ago' - Geraint Thomas confident about progression towards Giro d'Italia
The Ineos Grenadiers rider looked strong on the first climbing test of Tirreno-Adriatico
Geraint Thomas is confident in his progression towards the Giro d’Italia, as he looked strong in the first climbing test of Tirreno-Adriatico.
The Ineos Grenadiers rider is racing in Italy to prepare for his leadership duties at the Giro next month, which his now major goal after missing the Tour de France.
Thomas was amongst the strongest riders on stage three in Tirreno, a testing day from Follonica to Saturnia with one major climb in the final and an uphill finish.
The Welshman was at the front of the race on the Poggio Murell (1.6km at 10.8 per cent), before Michael Woods launched his attack on the steepest slopes and went on to take the stage.
Thomas finished with the nine-rider chasing group, 20 seconds behind the winner, and moves up into fourth place overall.
Speaking after the stage, he said: “I think I’m a lot better than where I was three weeks ago. I think this race will do me the world of good now to really move me on that a little bit more and be ready for the Giro.”
Thomas is missing the 2020 Tour de France as he said he didn’t want to ride in a support role at the race, but instead wanted to fight for his own chances at Grand Tour victory.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The 34-year-old was also struggling for form at the Critérium du Dauphiné, where he finished 37th overall.
But he looks to be coming back to his best, as he sits just 30 seconds off the race lead in Italy with the toughest mountain stages still to come.
>>> Here is the Great Britain women’s team for World Championships 2020 in Imola
Reflecting on stage three, he said: “It was a tough day altogether.
“We did the finish climb the first time and then everyone stopped riding with us so me and Froomey had a quick chat and we were just like 'we're not just going to drag everyone along, we're not the favourites here.'
“The last climb was really hard. Woodsy kicked with 500m to go and I was close to the limit there. I didn't want to go all the way into the red because I probably wouldn't be able to come out of it, especially with the heat, so I drifted back a little and stayed in that group.”
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.
-
'I'd love to be an F1 driver': Get to know GB track sprinter Emma Finucane
World sprint champion tells Cycling Weekly about her earliest Olympics memories, drinking coffee in Jakarta, and her passion for F1
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I felt like I was the worst rider in the bunch' - Simon Carr dispels doubt with longest ever solo win at Tour of the Alps
Brit triumphs from lone 45km breakaway, after days of battling allergies
By Tom Davidson 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
-
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
-
Jonas Vingegaard wins Tirreno-Adriatico as Jonathan Milan dashes to victory on final day
Dane continues perfect season towards Tour de France
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jonathan Milan wins from gruelling bunch sprint on stage four of Tirreno-Adriatico
Italian pips Jasper Philipsen on the line to take the race lead
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jasper Philipsen opens season account with victory on stage two of Tirreno-Adriatico
"Sprinting is my talent," says Belgian after comfortable win in Follonica
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Primož Roglič’s debut and an explosive Jonas Vingegaard: Seven things to look out for at Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico
The two stage races should provide plenty of narratives next week
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Everything you need for Tirreno-Adriatico: Key information, route, start list and riders to watch
The Italian stage race returns, with Jonas Vingegaard set to battle it out across the hilly days
By Adam Becket Published
-
'Losing the plot in public - it's mental' - Geraint Thomas on Patrick Lefevere's criticism of Julian Alaphilippe
Ineos Grenadiers rider says he feels sorry for his peers who are criticised in public by the Soudal Quick-Step boss
By Adam Becket Published