THOMAS RUES GILET MISTAKE
THERE was no fairy tale on Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard for Geraint Thomas after he forgot to take off his gilet for a time trial.
The Welshman effectively rode the 8.2-mile prologue in a life-jacket as the Tour de France opened in Copenhagen.
And despite a storming second half, the 2018 champion finished by STAR 25 seconds REPORTER
off the lead and 18 seconds down on reigning champion Tadej Pogacar (inset).
Thomas admitted: “I forgot I had it (the gilet) on. I zipped it up, all nice and snug, before the start and nobody spotted it.
“I was cornering like my wife – and she hasn’t ridden a bike for 12 years.”
In treacherous conditions reminiscent of his glory in 2017 on the Grand Depart in Germany, every small advantage is critical and Thomas may count the cost all the way to Paris.
He said: “It was cracking me and I did think about taking it off, but that would have been a bit dodgy. When I put the power down, I had plenty of it. But mentally, it was one of the hardest time trials I've ever done. "The legs were good but it's a shame about the gilet. "I know I could have done a better ride so it's annoying and I always want more.
“At least I was warm so I am not going to get a cold – maybe everyone else will get a cold now.”
Ineos team-mate Tom Pidcock, the Olympic mountain bike champion, undercut Thomas by a second on his Tour de France debut and fellow Brit Adam Yates went two seconds faster.
The Yellow Jersey went to Yves Lampaert who beat fellow Belgian Wout van Aert by five seconds, with Pogacar a further two seconds back. “I’m just a farmer’s son from Belgium,” said a delighted Lampaert.
Today’s second stage, a 125.6-mile ride from Roskilde to Nyborg, finishes with a crossing of the Grand Belt Bridge.
If the wind blows, it might be cold enough to wear a gilet.