Geraint Thomas describes his Tour de France bad day as being like an Ikea nail
Welshman slips from fourth to 15th on GC after struggling on stage 19 to La Toussuire
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zCb5tGyyAfxARohidgoBJi-415-80.jpg)
Geraint Thomas compared his Tour de France jour sans as being like “a cheap little Ikea nail”, after he slipped out of fourth place overall on Friday’s 19th stage to La Toussuire.
Thomas dropped to 15th on GC, 27-24 behind team-mate Froome, having finished exactly 22 minutes behind stage winner Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) atop the ski resort.
Looking tired, yet nonetheless willing to talk to the media, the Welshman admitted he didn’t think his top five dreams would end on today’s 138-kilometre Alpine stage.
“I don’t even know what happened, actually,” he said. “I was just empty today.
“It [having a bad day] was always going to happen, but I was hoping it was going to come on Monday. I just didn’t have anything.
“As they say, sometimes you’re the hammer, sometimes you’re the nail. I was a cheapy little Ikea one today. It was terrible.”
Thomas was buoyed upon hearing that Movistar’s Nairo Quintana had only gained 32 seconds on Sky team-mate Chris Froome on the 18-kilometre finishing climb.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“That’s all good,” he added. “One more day to go.”
Geraint Thomas: Where it all began
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
Nick Bull is an NCTJ qualified journalist who has written for a range of titles, as well as being a freelance writer at Beat Media Group, which provides reports for the PA Media wire which is circulated to the likes of the BBC and Eurosport. His work at Cycling Weekly predominantly dealt with professional cycling, and he now holds a role as PR & Digital Manager at SweetSpot Group, which organises the Tour of Britain.
-
'I'm definitely pushing over 2,500 watts' - Meet the most powerful cyclists in the GB Olympics squad
Move over track sprinters, there are stronger legs in town
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Team USA aims for 7-10 cycling medals at Paris Olympics, here are the top American contenders to watch
Chloe Dygert, Jennifer Valente, and Hannah Roberts among top contenders to contribute to the medal count
By Anne-Marije Rook 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