Geraint Thomas fifth in Tour despite working for Froome
Team Sky's super domestique Geraint Thomas has a top GC position of his own following a strong climbing performance on stage 10 of the Tour de France
Despite playing the role of super domestique for his leader Chris Froome, Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas moved to fifth overall in the 2015 Tour de France after a stellar performance to La Pierre-St Martin on stage 10.
The Welshman, 29, paced Froome into the early stages of the first summit finish of the race but clung on near the front of the race as Froome shed his main rivals to take the stage win and tighten his grip on the yellow jersey in the Pyrenees.
Thomas finished sixth on the stage alongside Movistar’s Alejandro Valverde, 2:01 down on Froome, and was delighted with his performance. He now sits 4-03 down on his team leader.
“To be riding like that on a climb, following Valverde and dropping Tejay Van Garderen, well, [it was] a great day,” he said.
“I kind of did my turn, got with Valverde and got back up to Tejay, and obviously I wasn’t going to ride with Tejay to limit his losses, so I was stuck behind him for four or five kilometres.
“It was kind of frustrating; I kind of wanted to go, but I just sat there and recovered and then when Valverde went at the end I just followed him.”
Thomas has made significant gains with his climbing in 2015 and finished second overall at the Tour de Suisse in June. Earlier in the season he won the Tour of Algarve, finished fifth in Paris-Nice, and proved his versatility with victory in the E3 Harelbeke cobbled classic.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
He has played a crucial role as Froome’s right hand man in the opening week of the 2015 Tour, a role to which Froome paid tribute following the stage.
“For Richie Porte to come second and taking those valuable seconds away from Nairo Quintana, and G [Thomas] a couple of seconds back in sixth, it’s unbelievable,” Froome said following the stage. “That is the calibre of riders that I’ve brought with me to the Tour de France.”
The stage also saw Adam Yates (Orica-GreenEdge) finish seventh, three seconds down on Thomas, to complete the trio of British riders in the top ten of the first summit finish of the 2015 Tour.
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
Richard Abraham is an award-winning writer, based in New Zealand. He has reported from major sporting events including the Tour de France and Olympic Games, and is also a part-time travel guide who has delivered luxury cycle tours and events across Europe. In 2019 he was awarded Writer of the Year at the PPA Awards.
-
Colnago ditches the traditional diamond frame for its radical new Y1Rs - 'the most aerodynamic UCI-compliant road bike in the World Tour'
Designed in conjunction with Team UAE and the result of years of innovative R&D Colnago's Y1Rs cuts a progressive departure from the existing VR4s. Is this the shape of things to come?
By Luke Friend Published
-
I’m having to tell people I’m still a cyclist despite the fact it’s not cool anymore
Bragging rights now belong to the paddleboarders
By Michael Hutchinson 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