Geraint Thomas comes of age
No rider has personified Team Sky’s Classics improvements more than Geraint Thomas this season. The Welshman is a rider that encapsulates everything the squad’s cobbles contingent embodies, with a balance of talent, poise, and development that have led to number of eye-catching performances.
Thomas’ weight loss, coupled with his growing experience have been documented factors, but it’s the rider's new-found steely determination and confidence that really shines through and made the difference in Haralbeke. Twelve months ago one would have justifiably seen Thomas as looking strong in the event but missing the authority to take the race his riders before a customary crash, puncture or lack of concentration leading to poor positioning. That was Greg Van Avermaet and Fabian Cancellara this year, with Thomas first closing a dangerous gap on the Paterberg before forging clear with Sagan and Stybar on the Kwaremont.
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Just like his win in the Commonwealth Games twelve months ago – although this was against a grander backdrop and more accomplished opposition – Thomas took a chance and reaped the due rewards. You can be the strongest in the race – as we’ve seen with Vanmarcke and Sagan on countless occasions – but if you can not measure your efforts and timing, Watts and output tend to count for little when the glare of the press find you at the finish. Thomas is in the form of his life, everything thrown his face is met with the sweetspot of his bat and even the testing deliveries – such as his crash in Gent-Wevelgem - are just about seen off. He has two deliveries to still face in Flanders and Roubaix, and although they’ll be the toughest yet he’s shown what’s needed to handle them. (DB)
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