08 Mar 2019
Thomas prepared for Strade challenge
Related riders
Geraint Thomas
Geraint Thomas is looking forward to getting stuck into Strade Bianche as he continues to build his form in 2019.
Thomas will be tackling Tuscany’s white gravel roads for the first time in Team Sky colours and he’s excited about racing the increasingly iconic Siena Classic.
From there the Welshman will move on to Tirreno-Adriatico and he plans to enjoy the block of racing in Italy, on roads he knows well.
“I’m very excited to tackle the famous white gravel roads,” said Thomas. “Strade is obviously a great race - to watch on TV anyway! I’m looking forward to it. It’s already iconic really - it’s only been around 10 years or so but it already has real prestige.
“I’m very excited to tackle the famous white gravel roads,” said Thomas. “Strade is obviously a great race - to watch on TV anyway! I’m looking forward to it. It’s already iconic really - it’s only been around 10 years or so but it already has real prestige.
“And of course I’m looking forward to racing in Italy again. It’s where I started my professional career. Just driving down here on Thursday was really nice - I was driving on roads I used to use all the time when I was in Barloworld and heading off to races. So I’m really looking forward to racing here.”
Thomas began the 2019 season at Vuelta a la Comunitat Valenciana
Geraint Thomas
I’ll just get stuck in, ride well with the boys and see what we can do."
In terms of his shape, Thomas is optimistic: “I’m feeling alright at the moment. I had a good block in Tenerife after Valencia so it feels like I’ve moved on quite a bit. Obviously I’m still a little behind where I would normally be as the last off-season was so long but I’m feeling a lot better and looking forward to racing now.”
What are his aims for Strade? Simple: “To get stuck into the race. I don’t think I’ve got the form to win but you never know with bike racing,” he continued.
“I’ll just get stuck in, ride well with the boys and see what we can do. I’m not putting pressure on myself to perform. It’s another good block of racing before another Tenerife camp, and then hopefully I can be in a bit better form to go for podiums etc.
“At this point last year I think I was a little more ready to race. I was back training sooner but I’m not far off. I’ve got a good base now and some foundations to build on. It’s all heading in the right direction.”
Thomas picked up a stage win on stage two of Tirreno in 2017
Looking ahead to Tirreno, Thomas is keen to support teammate and friend Wout Poels, who has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign.
“We’ll have a strong team there - Wout is going really well so I’ll try and help him and hopefully we’ll have a few cards to play after the team time trial. The last time trial will be a nice little target as well.
“Personally I might be a bit better at Tirreno. I’m coming in off a big block of training so trying to freshen up before Strade. I’ll be more suited to Tirreno and should build into the race.”
