30/05/2023

Geraint Thomas a "f*cking good person and a friend" - Mark Cavendish details special leadout and emotions behind Giro d'Italia win

Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas go back a long way, from the many years of track riding but also several years as teammates in Team Sky. Both close to the end of their career, but both have achieved something very meaningful this Giro d'Italia.

"It’s beautiful, what a way to end my Giro d’Italia. My first Grand Tour victory was here in Italy in 2008, in Reggio Calabria, so to win in Rome is special. It’s the first time I’ve raced here, so to win is super nice," Cavendish told Cyclingnews. “I couldn’t have ended my racing career in Italy with any better way than winning in Rome. It's a beautiful place to race. It’s perfect, really perfect.”

Geraint Thomas closes Giro d'Italia with key leadout for Cavendish: "I thought: I'll help a friend out"

The Manxman had his form come up throughout the Corsa Rosa, and all has resulted in a victory on the final day. One that was very needed, and very searched for. The Astana Qazaqstan Team rider had until yesterday not won this year, but looked ready for it. He sprinted to a dominant triumph in Rome as many of the fast men faded in the finale.

That saw the help of Geraint Thomas in the leadout. “I’d kind of said jokingly, ‘Fancy doing a lead out?’ Then he just shouted: ‘Cav!’ and did it,” Cavendish explains. “He’s so special and one of my best friends over the years. We saw yesterday with what he said, how upbeat and ever optimistic he is, despite losing the maglia rosa. That’s him down to a treat, it’s how he’s always been. He always sees a glass half full. That’s why he’s special. More than a great bike rider, he’s a fucking good person and a friend.”

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Whilst Thomas lost the race lead on the final day of competitive racing, he remained at the very front of the Giro, with his fair play acts widely loved, and his help for the former teammate an added flavour to the final day of the race. “To win with the boys, my friends and teammates, it’s one of those special stories that you have to get emotional and tell it with your hands like Italians do. I suffered a lot in the last two weeks," Cavendish continued.

"Like a lot of guys, I’ve been sick. There was no way I’d have got through the mountains and to Rome without my boys around me. I’ve been part of some incredible teams, and you just know when you deserve a break. We deserved something from this Giro, and I’m happy to deliver it for the team."