Sir Bradley Wiggins believes that Geraint Thomas can secure back-to-back Tour de France titles despite his build-up to the race being disrupted by the crash that forced him to abandon of the Tour de Suisse last month.
The 33-year-old heads to the race, which starts in Brussels on Saturday, as defending champion and co-leader, together with Egan Bernal, of Team Ineos in the absence of the injured Chris Froome.
Last year, Thomas came to the race fresh from wins at the Criterium du Dauphiné and at the British national time trial championships, with back-to-back stage wins in the Alps setting up his overall victory at the Tour.
This time around, his best result ahead of the race was third overall behind Jumbo-Visma’s Primoz Roglic, and a number of bookmakers have Bernal – winner this year of Paris-Nice and the Tour de Suisse – slightly ahead of his team-mate in the betting.
Speaking to Eurosport, Wiggins said: “I think Geraint’s preparation this year going into the Tour has been quite different to last year.
"Obviously he’s got the number one, he’s perhaps the pre-race favourite as defending champion.
"He’s not had the best of runs this year, certainly with crashes and illness and just being a household name now which brings added pressures.
“But I think Geraint is mentally strong enough to go into this Tour and really enjoy the moment and thrive off that, and I think he could win a second Tour – I really do."
He continued: “I don’t think not having the best run through this season in terms of how good it was last year is the type of thing to really faze someone like Geraint.
“He’s very mentally strong, very laid-back but at the same time very focused. So I expect good things from Geraint this Tour.”
> Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal to jointly lead Team Ineos at Tour de France
https://road.cc/content/news/263011-geraint-thomas-and-egan-bernal-joint...
When Team Ineos announced its Tour de France line-up last week, Thomas said: "Winning the Tour de France last year was the highlight of my professional cycling career and racing with the number one on my back is going to be special this year.
"The memories of 2018 will remain with me forever, but now I'm ready to create more with the team this year.
"It's no secret my build-up has been affected by the crash at Tour de Suisse, but I've had a good block of training since and I feel ready.
"Discussing with the team, we believe it makes sense to go into the race with joint leaders as it gives us more options.
“Egan and I will work hard for each other and the team over the three weeks of the race. We've got a really exciting blend of youth and experience in the team."
I've not been over that one...yet! Sounds like another great day! Keep on keepin' on.
Racists or anti-Islamism or lack of empathy? You seem a little confused.
Can't see it happening; certainly not under this government with it's commitment to active travel and green policies. An increase in cycling is key...
I've heard back - basically the same email as reported here....
I went the other way and threw 3 transfers at it. Got the winner but other 2 were wasted.
I have owned a pair of Fulcrum 3s. They won't let you down and are a good choice.
I have a Marin Nicasio 2 that I bought to use as a commute bike along "smooth" gravel paths, some dodgy roads and some great roads. Running 32mm...
Well that me laugh, a lot.......!...
Yes, but why spoil a good pun?
That's a great tip. I also have a set of the Ortleib packing cubes which are specifically made for these panniers and they work fantastically for...