18 Jun 2022
Thomas second ahead of final TT
Related riders
Daniel Martinez
Geraint Thomas
Tour de Suisse stage seven: Ambri › Malbun, 194.6km.
Geraint Thomas maintained second overall on stage seven of Tour de Suisse ahead of the final stage time trial.
Thomas is just two seconds behind new race leader Sergio Higuita (Bora Hansgrohe) after a late attack saw Higuita edge past the Welshman on general classification.
The Colombian national champion attacked Thomas and race leader Jakob Fuglsang in the closing kilometres of the final climb, with the INEOS Grenadier content to sit on Fuglsang's wheel before accelerating to finish fifth on a stage won by Thibaut Pinot from the break.
Earlier, the Grenadiers had combined well to maintain a small gap to the breakaway, with a couple of riders posing a threat if the escapees' move went unchecked.
Luke Rowe, Dylan van Baarle and Omar Fraile contributed to the chase across the 194km stage, with Fraile particularly important in the early rises of the final climb to Malbun.
Dani Martinez then played a vital role, maintaining a strong pace to deter all attacks, with only Higuita able to escape the GC group before Thomas reacted to ensure a small gap ahead of the final stage.
Thomas is just two seconds behind new race leader Sergio Higuita (Bora Hansgrohe) after a late attack saw Higuita edge past the Welshman on general classification.
The Colombian national champion attacked Thomas and race leader Jakob Fuglsang in the closing kilometres of the final climb, with the INEOS Grenadier content to sit on Fuglsang's wheel before accelerating to finish fifth on a stage won by Thibaut Pinot from the break.
Earlier, the Grenadiers had combined well to maintain a small gap to the breakaway, with a couple of riders posing a threat if the escapees' move went unchecked.
Luke Rowe, Dylan van Baarle and Omar Fraile contributed to the chase across the 194km stage, with Fraile particularly important in the early rises of the final climb to Malbun.
Dani Martinez then played a vital role, maintaining a strong pace to deter all attacks, with only Higuita able to escape the GC group before Thomas reacted to ensure a small gap ahead of the final stage.
Reaction
Geraint Thomas
"We expected a lot of attacks. Dani and all the team were incredible. I went after Higuita a bit too far out and I was blowing! After such a long effort, I kinda misjudged how long 500m would take, but it was all good.
Geraint Thomas
"We expected a lot of attacks. Dani and all the team were incredible. I went after Higuita a bit too far out and I was blowing! After such a long effort, I kinda misjudged how long 500m would take, but it was all good.
"I think my form is good, I’ve been working hard. The plan was to get to the Tour in the best shape, so I’m on track for that. I’m in a good position, I think there’s all to race for tomorrow."
