'No-one wants to go too deep, too early': Geraint Thomas explains lack of attacks on Giro's opening mountain stage
The favourites for the Giro d'Italia 2017 title marked each other on the first summit finish of the race to Mount Etna
The Giro d'Italia's Mount Etna stage on Tuesday failed to explode and produce big difference because everyone was finding their legs and thinking of the wind, says Team Sky's Geraint Thomas.
>>> Five talking points from stage four of the Giro d’Italia
Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates) fired free from an early escape and soloed over the black lava fields to win the fourth stage.
Russian Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) slipped away from the favourites’ group and Thomas won the sprint for third behind. The bonus seconds moved him to second overall at six seconds behind pink jersey Bob Jungels (Quick-Step Floors).
"Everyone was just watching everyone, no one really went," Thomas said.
He arrived at the bus after an anti-doping check and spoke surrounded by Italy's fans.
"Obviously it was a bit of headwind the last 2K and I think everyone was a bit apprehensive. I felt good and it was nice to win the sprint for third and get a couple of seconds. Not a bad day."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The 17.95km Sicilian climb opened up near the top with lava fields spreading toward the finish line and volcano's mouth. The wind, chilly but warmed by the island's sun, held most back.
Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida), a two-time Giro winner, tired under three kilometres. Zakarin's move stuck at 1.1km.
"I felt good on the climb, but like myself, I think everyone didn't want to go too early, too deep. I think everyone is finding their legs and sussing each other out," Thomas continued.
"Nibali did try, but with the wind it's always tough. Guys still had a few team-mates and they rode at the front. If it was a bit more of a select group it might've been different.
"When Zakarin went everyone looked at each other, but when Nibali went, obviously everyone is going to chase straight away."
The Welshman, who is co-leading this Giro with Sky's Mikel Landa, sits second and Englishman Adam Yates (Orica-Scott) holds third ahead of a group at 10 seconds. Most of the big stars are in that group including Nibali, Nairo Quintana (Movistar), Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) and American Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing).
Thomas seems in perfect spot. Had he taken the pink jersey, Sky would need to work early for its leader.
"I guess [I am in the perfect spot], but I wouldn't turn down the pink jersey, it'd be nice to wear that. But it's a good start,” continued Thomas.
"Obviously it's a nice psychological boost to win the sprint but at the end of the day, it's still a hell of a long way to go to Milano. I think will know a lot more from Sunday [with Blockhaus, the next summit finish].
"Blockhaus will be bigger test on Sunday. It's a lot harder climb and we'll see where everyone's really at there."
Tomorrow, the race heads towards Messina where the sprinters should have their chance. In the evening, the Corsa Rosa makes the small ferry ride over to Italy’s mainland.
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
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
Chinese X-Lab vies for global domination as it equips XDS Astana with bikes for the WorldTour
A new partnership sees Astana aboard new bikes with increased funding for 2025
By Joe Baker Published
-
Tech of the week: Van Rysel releases an aero bike (quelle surprise!) plus a superlight carbon crankset from FSA, a long top tube bag from Tailfin and tyre liners from Zefal
The RCR-F aero bike will be ridden by the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team in 2025, but will it create headlines like the RCR?
By Luke Friend Published
-
Tom Pidcock signs for Q36.5 Pro Cycling after Ineos Grenadiers departure
Olympic MTB champion hails 'start of something special' in three-year deal
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Steve Cummings takes sports director role at Jayco AIUla after Ineos Grenadiers departure
'It’s an opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates growth, resilience, and meaningful results' says 43-year-old after joining new team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I never thought I'd really leave the team': Luke Rowe opens up on his reasons for departing Ineos Grenadiers
Welsh road captain is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to become a sports director
By Adam Becket Published