Geraint Thomas needs a do-over within the Giro d’Italia.
He could be up towards two-time Tour de France winner and the world’s number-one-ranked rider Tadej Pogačar this yr, however no less than he would not have a time trial that’s “a foolish silly factor up a mountain this yr”.
In 2023, Thomas had a 26-second lead over Primož Roglič earlier than the ultimate time trial within the Giro d’Italia solely to lose 40 seconds to his Slovenian rival on the 18.6km take a look at up Monte Lussari. It was a bitter blow.
In Ineos’ pre-race press convention with Cyclingnews and different media, Thomas revealed that he struggled with a urinary tract an infection for the primary three months of 2023, whereas this yr has been “much more easy”.
So when he was requested if first place is gone as a result of Pogačar is on the beginning line, Thomas disagreed.
“Of course, you do not assume the primary is gone – if something, it takes strain off as a result of everybody expects him to win. They do not count on any of us to do something,” Thomas stated. “It undoubtedly makes the race totally different to final yr. We’re assured… the primary factor was getting right here in good condition and then you definately simply do what you’ll be able to.
“Obviously it is a large process as a result of he is an outstanding bike rider – I’ve stated not too long ago in all probability one of many best ever – however we’re relishing the problem. They’ve acquired a robust group, however so can we and there are many different good bike riders right here as nicely. It’s the Giro, I feel lots can go good and go unhealthy as everyone knows. So yeah, we’re excited.”
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The 2024 Giro d’Italia route is totally different from final yr’s additionally in that the primary mountains come right away, with the Colle della Maddalena on stage 1 with 20km to go and a summit end on stage 2 on the Santuario di Oropa, and has two longer time trials – a 40.6km time trial on stage 7 ending on a smaller climb and a 31.2km take a look at on stage 14 that’s flat – all of which play into Thomas’ strengths.
“Every Grand Tour is tough – I assume [the climbs] aren’t as steep this yr normally, which ought to go well with me a bit higher. I feel we are able to try to take benefit [of the two long time trials], however clearly, Tadej’s fairly good at them as nicely.
“I feel it’s worthwhile to be good from begin to end… however I feel it is type of good in a approach – it settles the race down fairly early on. Traditionally, the Tour, as an illustration, is huge on lengthy flat days for the primary 4 or 5 days – it is chaos, actually. So, if something, it is good to get a little bit of tiredness within the peloton straightaway. The factor with the Giro is you gotta be robust on the finish. Obviously, stage 2 is vital, but it surely’s not the be-all and end-all.”
American Magnus Sheffield will probably be making his Grand Tour debut within the Giro d’Italia. After ending second to Remco Evenpoel within the time trial through the Volta ao Algarve in February, he’s seeking to each go for a end result within the two time trials but additionally to make use of the group’s relative energy in these levels to assist Ineos’ leaders.
“I come right here with numerous ambition to assist our leaders in G and Thymen [Arensman] but additionally to strive actually performing the time trials, and once more, if there’s a chance to attempt to go for a stage, I feel that is additionally an enormous ambition of mine,” he stated.
“Our group is absolutely robust within the time trials. So I feel I see it extra as a bonus than something,” he stated of getting Filippo Ganna, Thomas and former time trial world champion Tobias Foss on the squad for the Giro.
“We can share info, we are able to strive totally different tools, and we are able to strive totally different pacing methods. There’s rather a lot that we are able to do. So it takes it from being a pure particular person occasion, and that is fairly good as a result of it actually reveals the significance of the group and your teammates round you.”
The Giro d’Italia begins on Saturday.
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Ineos Grenadiers for the 2024 Giro d’Italia:
- Geraint Thomas
- Thymen Arensman
- Tobias Foss
- Filippo Ganna
- Jhonatan Narvaez
- Magnus Sheffield
- Ben Swift
- Connor Swift