Tour title has given Sky rider a taste for more
NO SOONER had Geraint Thomas reached the pinnacle of his career, winning the Tour de France in style, he was inevitably asked: what next? The Welshman said he has the hunger for more Grand Tour victories – and will take time to consider whether to ride in August’s Vuelta a Espana – but insists he would be happy if he never won another race.
Thomas clinched the yellow jersey in Paris after riding a flawless race over three weeks, beating the Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin into second with his Team Sky team-mate Chris Froome finishing third.
“I’ve certainly got the taste for it,” Thomas said. “This year I’ve really enjoyed racing for stages and being aggressive. Racing on instinct, almost. The first stage I won (stage 11 in La Rosière) was based on that. It wasn’t a plan to do that, it just happened.
“It would be nice (to win more Grand Tours) but if I do nothing now for the rest of my career, I can be happy.”
He stormed to memorable backto-back stage victories in the Alps during the middle week, building a lead which only grew until Saturday’s stage 20 time trial, and pinpointed the victory on stage 11 as the crucial day of the Tour.
“The real defining moment was when he (Froome) had his bad day. But at the same time I was always allowed my freedom. It wasn’t like I had to work for him as a domestique. Obviously the guys were riding for Froomey and I just stayed with them.
“I was the back-up leader and if I was good, I was good and I would stay in front. It was clear that I wouldn’t have to sit up if I was feeling good and Froomey bad. Then as the race went on it worked itself out anyway.”
Thomas’s strategy was a combination of defiance and opportunism, holding off attacks when they came and pouncing on every chance to collect bonus seconds.
“When it came to the last mountain-top finish in the Pyrenees, when Froomey was dropped, it was just about stamping my authority on it, and even (on stage 19) in the sprint for second. I kept picking up time when I could.”
As well as his rivals on the road, Thomas also had to overcome an atmosphere which could at times be hostile, and he was almost knocked off his bike as he crested the Col du Portet at the finish of stage 17 by an interfering spectator.
“When they affect the race it’s annoying but with the booing and stuff, most of the time you’re just focused on what you’re doing. Sometimes on the sprint days where there’s a little bit less stress you notice it more. It’s unfortunate but it’s a part of it.
INSPIRATION
“I took a lot of inspiration from Froomey and the way he deals with it all. Fair play — he’s one of the strongest guys I know, mentally.”
Thomas flew the Welsh flag on his ride to Paris, holding with his long-time friend and Team Sky road captain Luke Rowe, and he reflected on their extraordinary journey from Cardiff to the Champs-Elysées.
“It’s just incredible how that generation have done what we’ve done. I grew up with Luke in Maindy stadium when I was 12 and he was 8, racing round there as kids. And now we’re here and he’s helping me win the Tour. It’s insane.”
Ireland’s Daniel Martin was also on the podium in Paris yesterday after the UAE rider, who finished in eighth place overall, was awarded the most aggressive rider award. (© Independent News Service)