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Geraint Thomas may have lost his pink jersey, but not his loyalty. In the final stage of the Giro d’Italia, Thomas was seen at the front in the closing kilometres, even though his second place was safe. GC riders are safe from incident after 3 km to go, but the Welshman was right there mixing it up.
The INEOS-Grenadiers rider is 37, and stage-winner Mark Cavendish just turned 38. Although from different places in the United Kingdom, their racing careers are inextricably linked. From racing as juniors to time spent on team Sky, the two riders are old mates.
Thomas lost the pink jersey on Saturday in an incredibly exciting time trial. But that didn’t mean the Welsh rider didn’t want to be a mensch and help out his old pal in the finale into Rome. Cavendish, the current British champion, recently announced this would be his last year as a pro.
As the leadouts began, cycling fans everwhere noticed Thomas, who rides for a rival team, at the front. There was no reason for him to be there; he could just cruise home. And yet there he was, first rider, helping the Astana Qazaqstan get their fastman to the line.
GCN commentator, Orla Chennaoui summed it up best. “You know what I loved about that Geraint Thomas leadout? That was two of the best in the world racing as little boys again, friends helping each other out, riding for friendship and taking rush to the world stage, making history. I simply do not know of a comparable sport. Poetry.”
Aside: Just wait for the UCI to fine Thomas for collusion.
Here’s the clip of longtime pals and racers sharing the special moment after a great day of racing.
“Enjoy it, savour it, remember it. The world’s best. The greatest of all time”. Thank the for the show, once again, Mark Cavendish 👏 @daniellloyd1 @eurosport @gcntweet @MarkCavendish pic.twitter.com/k0MTd1ULt6
— Orla Chennaoui (@SportsOrla) May 28, 2023
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…
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