THOMAS LEFT OUT OF TOUR DE FRANCE TEAM
GERAINT Thomas and Chris Froome are shock absentees from Team Ineos’ Grenadiers team for the Tour de France.
Thomas, who became the first Welshman to win the iconic event two year’s ago and finished runnerup behind team-mate Egan Bernal last year, will instead lead Ineos in October’s Giro d’Italia.
The 34-year-old last rode the Giro, which is second in importance to Le Tour, three years ago but was forced out of it with a knee injury after being brought down in a pile-up caused by a badly parked police motorbike.
Although he has been off the pace - Ineos have been on the ropes as a team - in two major races in France since the sport returned following a five-month break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas’ absence is still a major shock.
For he had been earmarked to ride it as a joint leader with Bernal until yesterday’s announcement.
In a surprise move, last year’s Giro winner and new signing Richard Carapaz has been switched to the Tour to support Bernal, who has been given sole leadership by team manager, Welshman Sir Dave Brailsford.
“We now know where we are at, we have raced and we know where everyone else is at and the thing about selecting the right team for the right Grand Tours,” said Brailsford.
“Geraint was second in the Tour last year and first the year before Tour. This guy needs a big chance, a big platform, so we decided to give Geraint the opportunity of focusing and going for the Giro.
“A Welshman has never won the Giro. It’s a big race. He’s won the Tour and, if he can double up with the Giro, it would be terrific.
“There’s three time trials and the mountains suit him so it’s a pretty good Grand Tour for Geraint.”
Seven-time Grand Tour winner Froome, who hasn’t yet been able to return to his best following an horrific crash last year in which he suffered serious, life-threatening injuries, will lead the team at Vuelta a Espana.
“Chris is a legend of our sport, a true champion who has demonstrated incredible grit and determination to come back from his crash,” said Brailsford.
“We want to support him to compete for another Grand Tour title and the Vuelta gives him that little bit more time to continue his progress to the top level. “
“In 2017, I was in great shape, in similar form to what I was in ‘18 when I won the Tour,” Thomas said. “The Giro ended badly that year with a crash and it’s something I’ve always wanted to go back to.
“I enjoy the racing there. I have always loved Italy, the roads and the fans and the food, obviously. It’s just a race I’ve always enjoyed anyway, a country where I love to race, so I’m certainly looking forward to going back.”
Wales’ Luke Rowe will again captain Ineos at the Tour de France and is the only Britain in the team.
Brailsford said: “Luke is tried and tested at the Tour de France. He knows it very well and knows how the team can win it. He’s great in a group and a brilliant communicator.
“I am very proud that we have several current, and I am sure future, Grand Tour champions in the team.
“Selecting the right leader in the right race with the right support team is critical and has meant we have had to analyse all the latest information to make sure we are in the best position possible to optimise our performances.
“Egan will once again target the yellow jersey in France and we are very excited to give last year’s Giro winner, Richard Carapaz, his debut in this year’s Tour.”