Stage 7 of the 2023 Vuelta a Espana was a day of nightmares for the INEOS Grenadiers. Thymen Arensman left the race in an ambulance, Filippo Ganna was unable to replicate his sprint heroics and team leader Geraint Thomas was also involved in a crash.
Unlike Arensman, Thomas was able to remount his bike and battle on to finish the stage, although he was the wrong side of a split, losing a further 24 seconds and putting the Welshman even further out of general classification contention.
Following the disastrous day, Thomas took to Instagram to provide an update on his condition. "Hoping our Vuelta luck turns soon," he opens. "Sad to lose Thymen today. Get well soon Basil mate! Kimbo (Kim Heiduk) has some nasty road rash after sliding out in front of me, but he’s ok. And I’m all good, now two sore knees but I was lucky compared to my bike. Anyway, tomorrow’s a new day. Today’s pain is tomorrow’s gain right?"
Unless something miraculous happens, Thomas is seemingly out of the fight for the Red Jersey. As such, the Welshman now has a decision to make. Lose further time and try for a breakaway stage win. Or continue to try and stay with the GC leaders for as long as he possibly can and fight for a position in the top-10. Time will tell what Thomas and the INEOS Grenadiers decide.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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- Yeah, what he said!Lozza15-11-2026
- I’m sure Jasper Philipsen would disagree with you.Lozza15-11-2026
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- That'll be one crazy rider
Rafionain-Glas15-11-2026
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