Thomas secures third heading into Paris

23 Jul 2022

Thomas secures third heading into Paris

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Tour de France - Stage 20 » Lacapelle-Marival › Rocamadour ITT, 40.7km

Geraint Thomas put in a superb ride in the stage 20 time trial, setting the fourth fastest time and all but securing third place overall at the Tour de France.
 
The Welshman extended his general classification advantage with an assured ride across the rolling 40.7-kilometre course, and just needs to cross the line with the peloton on Sunday to be assured of a third podium finish at the Tour.
 
Thomas used his experience to get stronger as the course went on, eventually finishing 32 seconds back on stage winner Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma). The yellow jersey of Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) was second on the day to secure his first Tour victory, with Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) taking third, and set to occupy the second step of the Paris podium.
 
Filippo Ganna laid down a brilliant marker and sat in the hot seat for much of the day until Van Aert put in a superb time. The world champion’s benchmark still held up for fifth place on the stage. Adam Yates was able to secure himself 10th overall with a battling ride, while Dylan van Baarle (15th) and Dani Martinez (20th) put in strong rides on the day.
 
The three-week Grand Tour concludes on Sunday afternoon in Paris with laps of the famous Champs-Elysees. At 36, a podium finish will represent an incredible achievement for Thomas, who won the race in 2018 and took second a year later in 2019.
Photo: A.S.O./Pauline Ballet

Photo: A.S.O./Pauline Ballet

Reaction

- Geraint Thomas

"After catching Gaudu I thought I've got third place wrapped up here. I didn't want to deck it. It was a decent TT in the end. It was a case of putting my head down and just going for it.

"I've always been pretty consistent, but to turn it around from last year [is good]. I didn't really know where I'd be. To be on the podium is going to be really special.

"It's still good to be strong at the end and performing. But you always want more. I just want to win. 30 seconds to Van Aert - we've all seen how he's been this race - it's not bad."