'We ran out of road and the barriers were sticking out': Geraint Thomas escapes injury in nervous opening stage of Tour de France 2019
The 2018 champion was forced into the barrier in the closing kilometres but didn't lose time
Geraint Thomas escaped injury after crashing in the final two kilometres of the Tour de France's opening stage in Brussels.
Team Ineos rider Thomas, the 2018 champion, fell in a crash that took out sprinter Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma) as the pace surged in the closing moments.
"I'm fine," Thomas said at the Team Ineos bus after the stage. "It was 3km to go so we were slowly drifting back just to try to get some space if there is a crash and we avoided it but just ran out of road. So it happened because the barriers were sticking out as well.
"I just toppled over. So it's all good."
>>> Five talking points from stage one of the Tour de France 2019
Thomas arrived later than co-captain Egan Bernal. He climbed on the bus and then back out to warm down on his bike. The mechanic straightened his right shifter and brake hood.
A chainring mark and some scratches were visible on the Welshman's right side, but there were no other injuries.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I gave myself enough space, I avoided the actual crash, but with the barriers there was no where to go," Thomas added.
"It was just one of those things, but the main thing is that it didn't do any damage. The bike took the hit and then I just toppled over."
Ineos began the day in charge, moving to the front when the kilometres began to tick down toward the eventual sprint won by Mike Teunissen (Jumbo-Visma).
Thomas rode safely, but could not avoid the currents in the peloton that resulted from the crash with Groenewegen.
"It was just good to get back into the groove with the boys," explained Thomas. "We are riding well at the front always and communication was good and we started on the front foot, and we are going to TTT to continue that."
On stage two the peloton faces a 27.6km team time trial, the first stage that could cause some cracks in the classification. The stage covers the city streets in Brussels, the second of three Belgian stages in the Tour de France 2019.
"It's a big day. Hopefully we can all rest up well tonight and give it a good go."
In 2018, Chris Froome and Egan Bernal were both held up by crashes in stage one. Bernal, riding the Tour again in 2019, noticed the "tension" already and was just "happy" to survive unscathed.
"There was a lot of tension," Bernal said after the opening stage. "I was behind the crash and I stayed out of trouble.
"You need to have luck – you can be at the front and there is a crash there or be at the back and there's a crash there.
"To win the Tour you not only need strong legs and a strong team but you also need luck. I'm happy to have gotten through today."
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.
-
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
-
Canyon Grail CF SL 7 AXS review: a gravel bike of two halves?
The integrated cockpit and aero tubing are somewhat at odds with the Grail's taller stack height
By Rachel Sokal 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