Geraint Thomas blames strong headwind for disappointing finish of Giro d'Italia stage 7: "It was actually much easier to ride in a wheel"

The seventh stage in the Giro d'Italia was largely anticipated, as the stage characterized by a 45 kilometers long final climb seemed to be a perfect opportunity for GC favourites to test their opponents' legs. However, the fun was over before it even began, as the breakaways were allowed to compete for the stage victory. INEOS Grenadiers leader Geraint Thomas explained what was the reason for today's calm in the bunch.

"There was a strong headwind," the Welshman replied to the opening question about the circumstances that led to a peaceful ride up Gran Sasso. "Everyone was waiting and nobody really wanted to ride. It was actually much easier to ride in a wheel. A kind of stalemate then ensued. We would have liked to make the race hard, but the conditions just weren't right for it."

In his own words, Thomas, who finished seventh himself, feels very good for the time being. “I feel better every day. But we have to wait for the third week anyway. Then it all really explodes."

Geraint Thomas continues to sit in comfortable 6th position in the general classification, 1:26 behind the pink jersey - Andreas Leknessund and 58 seconds down to Remco Evenepoel. INEOS Grenadiers can still play multiple cards as Tao Geoghegan Hart is only mere 4 seconds behind Thomas, while Sivakov, De Plus and Arensman remain close in GC and all three of them could play crucial role later in the race.