Duo retain positions on Giro sprint day

Geraint Thomas and Thymen Arensman held station at the Giro d’Italia following a day for the sprinters on stage 18.

Thomas retains third overall, while Arensman held on to sixth, despite a late puncture heading into the final eight kilometres. Some quick reactions and a selfless bike swap saw Connor Swift give up his Dogma, allowing Arensman to quickly ride back into the bunch, with help from Jhonatan Narvaez.

Thomas was well positioned on the run-in, which ultimately saw a chaotic bunch sprint won by Tim Merlier (Soudal - Quick-Step).

Two more big GC days remain in the General Classification battle, with Thomas sitting 22 seconds back on second-placed Dani Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe).

Thursday also saw the start of the Tour of Norway. Oscar Rodriguez led the Grenadier charge on the opening day, coming home ninth on the uphill finish in Voss. Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek) continued his recent momentum by winning the opening stage to take an early race lead.