"I felt better than in Andorra" - Rising form for Geraint Thomas at Vuelta a Espana

Geraint Thomas tried to be part of the huge breakaway on yesterday's Vuelta a Espana stage but he was not allowed. As plenty climbers went up the road and gained serious time, the Welshman rode to limit losses, but he's shown better legs in this the second summit finish of the race.

“Well. There was a big breakaway today. I could have been in it, but then you also get people jumping along because I go along," he explained in an interview following the stage. 42 riders went up the road, INEOS were represented by only Jonathan Castroviejo.

This meant the British team put in effort behind to chase down the group, which included plenty riders who directly clash with Thomas' GC ambitions. Ultimately he hung on with Remco Evenepoel when Jumbo-Visma first attacked on the final climb, he was dropped afterwards but was only the second GC rider arriving behind the Belgian.

“On the last climb I felt better than in Andorra. I did notice that I really lacked some strength. It's been a tough day, but there's more to come. We'll see.," he concludes. His efforts see him in 23rd position now, 4:57 minutes behind new race leader Lenny Martínez, but 2:10 minutes behind Remco Evenepoel who sits in 9th position and leads what are ordinarily considered the contenders for the overall victory.