"I knew that if I continued like that, I was going to explode" - Geraint Thomas unsurprised by Tadej Pogacar's Oropa domination

Geraint Thomas hadn't shown too good form before the Giro d'Italia, but as was the case in 2023 his condition came around just at the right time. He has done quite well over the two opening stages of the Giro and is the closest rival to Tadej Pogacar on paper.

“I didn't feel as good as yesterday. But it was good for the second day. I hope we can continue to fight well in the race. Everything is still possible, but Tadej... Yes, it's Tadej," Thomas said in a video shared by INEOS Grenadiers last night. The victory belonged to the UAE Team Emirates without much surprise. Thomas was one of the few riders who tried to match the acceleration when he attacked, but soon it was clear that he could not.

"I hoped I could follow, but I knew that if I continued like that, I was going to explode," he says. "I followed Ben O'Connor for a while, but I was really on the limit I had to get over it. The group came back and I tried to get a good result in the sprint."

Thomas did not try to attack his direct rivals afterwards, and in the final sprint rode to third only behind Daniel Martínez. The two sit together in second and third place overall, 45 seconds back on Pogacar at the moment. With two difficult stages out of the way, it's safe to say the INEOS Grenadiers rider is delivering to expectations.