Geraint Thomas' love affair with the Tour de France continued as he secured second place in Sunday's final stage in Paris.
A winner in 2018, the Welshman held his position in what was merely a processional conclusion on the Champs-Elysees to complete a Team Ineos one-two alongside new champion Egan Bernal. Thomas had all-but confirmed his podium position a day earlier, crossing the line in fifth place in Saturday's penultimate stage. In doing so, the 33-year-old elevated himself from third to second in the overall rankings, standing firm on the weather-shortened 59.5km climb to Val Thorens. That just left the formalities of the coronation on Sunday, with Team Ineos toasting Colombian Bernal's victory with champagne early in the race in a wonderful display of camaraderie. Beginning at Rambouillet and finishing 128km away in the French capital, the 21st stage of cycling's most famous road race culminated with Bernal finishing one minute and 11 seconds ahead of his Ineos colleague. “To get first and second doesn’t get any better,” said two-time Olympic champion Thomas.
“The fact that Egan is one step above me, he’s the best person to have in front of me.
“Obviously it’s been a crazy year for me, and I can be happy and proud that I’ve given everything to be in my best shape here and I think we rode really well as a team from day one.
“It’s been amazing. I think that we’ve proved time and time again that we’re a strong unit and we know how to ride hard and perform in this race. It’s a pleasure to be a part of.”
Sportsbeat 2019