Geraint Thomas continues in third place after calm day on Bocca della Selva: "It was one of the easiest uphill finishes today"

Fireworks were not on Geraint Thomas' agenda on the first stage after rest day, something that seemingly aligned with the plans of most GC teams. Bahrain - Victorious was the only team that felt threatened by the breakaway and thus controlled the stage, allowing INEOS Grenadiers to save strengths for more important stages to come later this week.

"We already took into account that a group of good climbers would stay away. And that UAE Emirates would set the pace. With the headwind towards the finish, it wouldn't be too hectic a final. I think we can look back on a great stage. It was one of the easiest uphill finishes today," he tells Cycling Pro Net.

And yet the group of favorites thinned out considerably in the last kilometers. "Bahrain - Victorious ultimately rode quite a strong pace," said Thomas. "Antonio Tiberi just went a bit nowhere after his attack, knowing that the wind was at his disadvantage."

"This was not a day to make a difference," is the opinion of third man in the GC. "We therefore decided to stay with the other teams. There are now three treacherous days ahead and then we can prepare for two tough weekend stages. I felt good, so that was nice. And that also applies to the team."