Geraint Thomas says the decision to miss this year’s Tour de France was mutually agreed between him and Ineos Grenadiers.
The Welshman has revealed that part of the reason for his absence from the Tour is because he didn’t want to ride in a support role “just for the team”.
“This may seem a little harsh but I don’t want to go to the Tour to ride just to help the team,” Thomas told Gazzetta dello Sport. “I have the feeling that I’m at an age where I have to make the most out of every opportunity. In this sense, the Giro represents a better chance for me.
“I think I still have the form to be leader, another role in France doesn’t interest me,” said Thomas, who also finished second to teammate Egan Bernal in last year’s Tour de France.
“To not be 100 percent was a disappointment,” added Thomas, who believes the route for the Giro d’Italia will “suit me”.
He came in only 37th in the Criterium du Dauphine last month but thinks he is “a little better” now and has been picking up encouraging vibes from his performances in training..
After the Tirreno-Adriatico he could take in the time-trial at the World Championships in Imola, Italy at the end of the month before trying to become the first Welshman to win the Giro.
