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.”
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.
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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.
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