11 Sep 2020
Thomas climbs to third in Italy
Related riders
Geraint Thomas
Tirreno-Adriatico - Stage 5 » Norcia › Sassotetto, 202km
Geraint Thomas put in an impressive climbing performance to finish second on the queen stage at Tirreno-Adriatico.
The Welshman rode his way into an elite lead group on the steep Sassotetto climb, out-sprinting Rafal Majka (Bora-Hansgrohe) to finish 35 seconds behind stage victor Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott).
The result moved Thomas up to third on the general classification, 39 seconds behind Yates with three stages to go.
The Welshman rode his way into an elite lead group on the steep Sassotetto climb, out-sprinting Rafal Majka (Bora-Hansgrohe) to finish 35 seconds behind stage victor Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott).
The result moved Thomas up to third on the general classification, 39 seconds behind Yates with three stages to go.
After riding alongside Tao Geoghegan Hart, Thomas stayed calm as attacks fired around him and followed the moves as overnight leader Michael Woods (EF Pro Cycling) slipped back.
Earlier the team worked hard to position Thomas, with Chris Froome also battling back from a crash heading into the final 50km.
Earlier the team worked hard to position Thomas, with Chris Froome also battling back from a crash heading into the final 50km.
Reaction
- Geraint Thomas
"I was feeling good. When the guys started attacking I thought I’d follow Woods and let him do the work. He’s been riding so strong I thought he’d close the gaps but he didn’t seem to quite have it today. I had to close it which wasn’t ideal but I managed to get across.
- Geraint Thomas
"I was feeling good. When the guys started attacking I thought I’d follow Woods and let him do the work. He’s been riding so strong I thought he’d close the gaps but he didn’t seem to quite have it today. I had to close it which wasn’t ideal but I managed to get across.
"The three of us we were just messing around really. The other two riders kept attacking and then swinging over. If we’d just ridden together it would have been better but that’s just the way it goes. I’m pretty happy with where I am. It shows the work I’ve been doing has been worth it. It’s encouraging and I think this race will do me the world of good."
Overall standings:
1. Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) 23:36:59
2. Rafal Majka (Bora-Hansgrohe) +16"
3. Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) +39"
4. Aleksandr Vlasov (Astana) +49"
5. Fausto Masnada (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) +54"
Overall standings:
1. Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) 23:36:59
2. Rafal Majka (Bora-Hansgrohe) +16"
3. Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) +39"
4. Aleksandr Vlasov (Astana) +49"
5. Fausto Masnada (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) +54"
