Thomas third at Gent-Wevelgem

Geraint Thomas battled back from a crash to take a gutsy third place at Gent-Wevelgem.

Geraint Thomas battled back from a crash to take a gutsy third place at Gent-Wevelgem.

The Welshman was once again a tower of strength as he worked his way to the front of the race amid terrible conditions in Flanders.

After shutting down a relentless stream of attacks, the 28-year-old could only watch as Luca Paolini chipped clear on the run into Wevelgem to take the victory. Thomas followed Niki Terpstra (Etixx – Quick-Step) home to round out the podium and continue his momentum following Friday’s victory at E3 Harelbeke.

With 58 kilometres remaining Thomas went down after veering off the road and onto the grass verge in the wind.

Undeterred he fought his way back into the select front group which had formed, carved out through echelons and attacks during a brutal opening 100km. Often a race for the sprinters, the peloton was decimated before the race even hit the first of nine bergs.

The group, joined by eventual winner Paolini (Katusha), were forced to chase down the lone attack of Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto Soudal) after the Belgian built up a gap of over two minutes off the Monteberg.

The catch was made on the road out of Ypres but with fatigue setting in a tactical battle ensued between the group of seven riders.

Thomas showed he was arguably the strongest rider in the race by riding across the gap to a move from Terpstra and Paolini with 12.2km remaining, but with 6km to go Paolini used all his experience to make his final attack stick.

Christian Knees was the next man home for Team Sky after the German made his way into the second group on the road. The attrition rate was so much that only 39 riders officially finished the race.

Top form

After the race a tired Thomas talked about a difficult day on the bike and an attacking finale.

“Today was it just on all day - stress and full gas,” he admitted. “I’m happy to be on the podium again. Obviously it would have been nice to go for the win but it’s hard when you’re coming into the final and everyone’s attacking. You can’t really go with everything and some people don’t want to pull as much.

“There wasn’t really any collaboration in the group. It was hard to get everyone going. People were looking at me a bit after my win on Friday. That’s what it felt like. When Paolini went it was a good move for him but we all looked at each other. Fortunately me and Niki got away at the end.”

Thomas was also happy to come away from his crash without any serious injuries, adding: “The grass was softer that the tarmac! It was unbelievable. The gusts were incredible. It was hard enough just trying to stay on the bike. Fortunately it was all okay in the end.

“I’ll rest up now. Have a good massage, eat well, stay in bed and put my feet up until Sunday.”