'At least he smashed me' - Geraint Thomas sees lighter side after losing pink jersey in Giro d'Italia time trial
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Updated 27/05/2023 at 19:24 GMT
Having surrendered the lead on the penultimate day of the Giro d'Italia, Geraint Thomas might have been expected to be in a less than sparkling mood in the immediate aftermath, but he was still able to find the lighter side. The Welsh veteran has only twice before finished the Italian Grand Tour, and was on course for a tremendous victory before being overhauled in Saturday's time trial.
Roglic storms to victory in ITT to take pink jersey from Thomas at the Giro d’Italia
Ineos Grenadiers rider Geraint Thomas was seemingly on course for a first ever Giro d'Italia title but a disappointing performance in the time trial on the penultimate day gave Slovenian Primoz Roglic a likely race-winning lead.
In the circumstances, Thomas would have been forgiven for being in a less than genial mood, but the Welshman was able to see the lighter side.
Moments after Roglic completed his rapid ascent of Monte Lussari, Thomas gave his wry response.
He said: "At least he smashed me and to be honest, Primoz deserves that. He had a mechanical as well, and he still put 40 seconds into me so chapeau to him."
Thomas expanded: "I could feel my legs going a kilometre and a half from the top of the climb. I don’t want to sound like I’m making excuses but I just didn’t feel like I had that real ‘grunt.’ I guess it’s nice to lose by that much, rather than a second or two, because that would be worse".
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‘It is something amazing’ - Roglic thrilled to take pink jersey in ITT at Giro d’Italia
Thomas and Roglic had exchanged a friendly fist bump before the Welshman set off on his run. Thomas remained complimentary of his rival who had seen his chain slip off during the climb.
The Welshman was reflective and was philosophical as he remembered a challenging season.
He explained: "If you would have told me this back in February or March, I would've bitten your hand off, but now I'm devastated. With the season I've had up until now, I can be proud of that. I'm just gutted for the boys as well as they worked so hard."
Eurosport expert Daniel Lloyd reflected a similar sense of being in two minds after the day's racing.
He said: "I feel absolutely devastated for Geraint Thomas because, once again the bridesmaid, but he can be incredibly proud. As can his whole team. They deserved the win, but so does Roglic."
Thomas had been a little more critical of Roglic after Friday's stage when he suggested the Slovenian was playing mind games.
Upon being told Roglic was struggling at the back of the field, Thomas had told his team-mates not to believe it.
He said: "I was like 'mate, I just don't trust that guy. He's always tired, isn't he? His legs are always hurting. Then he wins a stage. We just didn't let it affect us. Then sure enough on the last climb he comes up with Sepp [Kuss] as soon we hit the steep bit. I was like 'here we go'."
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