13 Sep 2020
Thomas retains third ahead of Tirreno finale
Tirreno-Adriatico stage seven: Pieve Torina › Loreto, 181km.
Geraint Thomas finished eighth on stage seven of Tirreno-Adriatico to retain third overall following a relentless climbing test which was won by Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix).
With an early break establishing a large lead, Thomas was part of a peloton that grew gradually smaller on the undulating course, ably assisted by Chris Froome, Tao Geoghegan Hart and Salvatore Puccio
A late crash hampered Geoghegan Hart's support efforts, but the Londoner was able to return to the GC group to help guide Thomas through the final lap to secure a top 10 finish as Van der Poel made a late burst to take the stage win.
Thomas has another chance to improve his overall position on Monday's final stage, a 10.1km time trial on the coast around San Benedetto del Tronto.
With an early break establishing a large lead, Thomas was part of a peloton that grew gradually smaller on the undulating course, ably assisted by Chris Froome, Tao Geoghegan Hart and Salvatore Puccio
A late crash hampered Geoghegan Hart's support efforts, but the Londoner was able to return to the GC group to help guide Thomas through the final lap to secure a top 10 finish as Van der Poel made a late burst to take the stage win.
Thomas has another chance to improve his overall position on Monday's final stage, a 10.1km time trial on the coast around San Benedetto del Tronto.
Reaction
Geraint Thomas
"It was almost like a Junior race today, attacks everywhere from the start. It took a long time for the break to go, and then attacks where flying in the final again.
"But it was hard to make a difference on the laps, but I stayed in a good position in the front, so it all looks good heading into the TT tomorrow."
Geraint Thomas
"It was almost like a Junior race today, attacks everywhere from the start. It took a long time for the break to go, and then attacks where flying in the final again.
"But it was hard to make a difference on the laps, but I stayed in a good position in the front, so it all looks good heading into the TT tomorrow."
Overall standings Tirreno-Adriatico:
1. Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) 31:56:02
2. Rafal Majka (Bora-Hansgrohe) +16"
3. Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) +39"
4. Aleksandr Vlasov (Astana) +49"
5. Fausto Masnada (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) +54"
1. Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) 31:56:02
2. Rafal Majka (Bora-Hansgrohe) +16"
3. Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) +39"
4. Aleksandr Vlasov (Astana) +49"
5. Fausto Masnada (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) +54"
