Until a month ago few would've expected Geraint Thomas to be in the fight for the overall classification at the Tour de France, however he is currently one of the main contenders for the final podium.
“I’ve won it before and came second, so I don’t have anything to prove,” Thomas told Velonews after the finale in Lausanne where he rode across the line in 11th place. “It’s more just having fun and trying to take an opportunity.”
“It’s not as structured as it maybe was in the past, there’s a bit more flexibility there so it’s all good so far. Yesterday was a good day and it’s just enjoying racing with the team," he added. Thomas is sitting in third place currently, 1:14 minutes down on Tadej Pogacar but in a strong position. INEOS Grenadiers have three more riders in the Top10 and are being able to manage each rider's GC ambitions.
“I’m feeling good. The team’s riding well and we’re all working well together. That’s why I was a bit annoyed after the TT and Roubaix stage because I felt like I had good legs but for one reason or another I couldn’t quite get it all out," he admits. Today's stage into Châtel will be another important day for his ambitions, and mostly those of INEOS who are looking to have Daniel Martínez in a higher level than what the Colombian has shown today.
To take time on Tadej Pogacar seems like too far of a stretch for now, however the Welsh remains positive that the team's depth will come in handy: “What can you say he’s an unbelievable talent. He lost a teammate today [Vegard Stake Laengen] but I don’t think that’s going to affect him. We need to stay positive and use our numbers when it matters later on in the race," Thomas concluded.
It came down to a reduced bunch kick, with @tompidcock the first Grenadier home in 10th as Van Aert wins in Lausanne. He's followed closely behind by @GeraintThomas86, @AdamYates7 and @danifmartinez96 as the quartet maintain their GC positions. #TDF2022
