Geraint Thomas Excited by Tadej Pogacar’s Giro d’Italia and Tour de France Performances

In facing the daunting challenge of taking on Tadej Pogacar at both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, Geraint Thomas openly acknowledges the exhilaration that comes with such a prospect. The duo aims to achieve a feat not seen since Marco Pantani in 1998 – winning both Grand Tours in a single season, a rare accomplishment achieved by only six riders in the history of the sport. With merely a month’s gap between the two prestigious races, Thomas, nearing the twilight of his career at 37, embraces the immense challenge, drawing inspiration from cycling legends like Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and Pantani.

Expressing his perspective on this formidable task, Thomas, a rider for Ineos Grenadiers, shares with Gazzetta Dello Sport (as reported by Cycling News) that the endeavor requires a significant mental and physical commitment. While admitting the intimidating nature of the challenge, he sees it as an opportunity to inject new energy into his 19th year as a professional cyclist. Embracing the unknown, Thomas reflects on the excitement and fear that come with pushing his limits, stating, “It’s something that excites me. It scares me too, but it’s a good thing. It’s my 19th year as a pro, so it’s nice to mix things up a bit, and that will keep me focused.”

The decision to participate in both the Giro and the Tour underscores Thomas’s willingness to explore uncharted territory and push the boundaries of his capabilities. He adopts a pragmatic approach, contemplating, “I thought, ‘what do I have to lose?’ I’ll go to the Giro, get the best result there, then go to the Tour in the best possible shape.” This mindset reflects Thomas’s determination to seize the challenge head-on and make the most of this unique opportunity.

Acknowledging Pogacar’s status as the favorite at the Giro, given his two previous Grand Tour victories, Thomas is well aware of the formidable task awaiting him in challenging the Slovenian superstar from UAE Team Emirates. Reflecting on Pogacar’s impact, Thomas states, “It’s Pogacar, and I would have preferred him not to come, but at the same time having him is fantastic.” Despite the challenges posed by Pogacar’s presence, Thomas sees it as an exciting prospect to compete with and fight for the same objectives as the remarkable rider. Pogacar’s participation not only alters the dynamics of the race but also contributes to his lasting legacy as one of the greatest in the 24hscore sport.

As Thomas contemplates the mental and physical demands of the upcoming season, the prospect of facing Pogacar becomes a driving force, infusing new meaning into his cycling journey. The narrative surrounding Thomas’s decision to take on this monumental challenge sets the stage for an intriguing and historic cycling season, where two elite riders vie for greatness on the demanding roads of the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.