Geraint Thomas says Team Ineos will ‘have some questions about leadership’ at Tour de France 2020
But the former Tour winner says having three former winners in their roster will add to the team's strength
Geraint Thomas says Team Ineos are “going to have some questions about leadership” at the 2020 Tour de France.
The British outfit now have three Tour winners among their number, and 2018 winner Thomas says it will contribute to the team’s strength if all three line up next year.
Thomas shared the Tour leadership with young Colombian Egan Bernal this year, with four-time winner Chris Froome out injured after a horrific fall at the Critérium du Dauphiné.
>>> Dylan Teuns injured in tractor accident while gardening after Tour de France
Bernal emerged victorious after an electrifying three weeks of racing, securing a seventh Tour de France victory for Team Ineos (formerly Team Sky) with a fourth different rider.
In an interview with ITV, Thomas said: “If all three of us are there on the start line – me, Froomey, and Egan – jeez, we’re going to have some questions about leadership.
“But the other teams will have to answer those questions on the road. We’ve always been honest, clear and communicated with each other, so it will be great to have that strength next year.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thomas, as reigning champion, looked to be the favourite for much of the 2019 Tour, sitting second behind Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) into the final weekend.
But it was 22-year-old Bernal who emerged victorious after a tumultuous journey through the Alps, with Thomas finishing second.
>>> First major transfer confirmed for 2020 as Lucinda Brand switches to Trek-Segafredo
After the race had finished, Thomas admitted he was disappointed not to win but said he was proud to help Bernal become the first Colombian to ever win the Tour.
But the 32-yer-old is confident he can win the Tour again, saying anyone doubting him spurs him on.
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.
-
Was this the best women’s Classics campaign ever?
Every race seemed to go down to the wire, with little in the way of control or domination. It could hardly have been better
By Adam Becket Published
-
8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
A kevlar wheel, an unusual aero bike, solid helmet straps, a bike made from recycled plastic bike, and more - 8 odd, quirky and cool tech innovations spotted at the Sea Otter Classic
By Daniel Palma 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
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis 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
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers delighted with Egan Bernal’s late cameo on stage one of Paris-Nice
Colombian snapped up key bonus seconds in the general classification battle on run in to Les Mureaux
By Tom Thewlis Published