"I'm not at all surprised" - Geraint Thomas back in Giro d'Italia lead but faces new rival in João Almeida

Geraint Thomas is again leader of the general classification of the Giro d'Italia. The Welshman was the only one who could follow Joao Almeida after his attack on Monte Bondone. Both worked to take as much time as possible from Primoz Roglic and, in the final sprint, he was overtaken by the Portuguese.

However, the experienced INEOS Grenadiers rider was satisfied with the work done and for having regained the maglia rosa and taken time on the Slovenian: "It would have been nice to win the stage, we have to keep working with João with Roglic behind, unfortunately he beat me in the sprint, but it's nice to be back in pink and gain some time."

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Thomas was the only rider to be able to bridge across to the Portuguese in the closing kilometers of the stage, after the final ascent was paced hard by Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates. He then worked together with Almeida into the finish to establish the difference to the rest of the field, but was beaten by his new main rival who sits only 18 seconds away from the pink jersey.

He was asked during the post-race press conference if he was surprised by Joao Almeida's performance during the stage, something he flatly denied, making it very clear that he expected him in the fight for the maglia rosa: "No, he's always been one of the strongest riders in recent years, his team is also very strong, so I'm not at all surprised."

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