For the INEOS Grenadiers, the 2024 Tour de France has been something of a disappointment. Tom Pidcock was forced to abandon due to Covid, Geraint Thomas has also tested positive but continues with lesser legs and on Sunday's stage 15, team leader Carlos Rodriguez saw his podium hopes ride up the road as he lost considerable team on the slopes of the Plateau de Beille.
In his rest day press conference this Monday, the Spaniard reflected on a difficult weekend in the Pyrenees and his goals for the remainder of the Grand Tour as he now sits 6th overall, 11:27 down on race leader Tadej Pogacar and 6:08 behind 3rd placed Remco Evenepoel in the fight for the final spot on the podium.
"I feel good. We've been racing hard for fifteen days, so the body adjusts due to the intense competition. I'm curious how I'll feel on Tuesday when I get back on the bike, but for now, I'm enjoying the rest day," the INEOS Grenadiers leader assesses in quotes collected by IDL. "I have to be happy with my performance. I rode well and competed with the other top riders. Sunday may not have been my best day in this Tour, but I'm still satisfied. It wasn't a bad day, and I gave it my all."
As such, the Spaniard, who has already impressed late in races this year, winning the final stage of both the Criterium du Dauphine and the Itzulia Basque Country, could an attacking game plan in the third week of this Grand Tour ensure some success for the INEOS Grenadiers at the 2024 Tour de France?
"We have to take it day by day and keep giving our all. Hopefully, a good result will come at the end," the 23-year-old concludes calmly. "I want to thank everyone for the support I've received. I appreciate it very much. Hopefully, I can still provide some entertainment in the last week of the Tour."
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