Geraint Thomas kicked off his 2014 Classics campaign with a classy ride at E3 Harelbeke, with his acceleration on the Oude Kwaremont forming the race-winning attack and his strong work to keep Stijn Vandenbergh (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) in check rewarded with a podium finish.

However, the Welshman’s Classics season was almost over as quickly as it started as he was one of many riders to hit the deck at Gent-Wevelgem. Luckily, and unlike his Sky team-mate, Ian Stannard, Thomas was able to bounce back up from the roadside and rolled in some eight minutes after the leading riders.

Thomas has proven before, not least at last year’s Tour de France, that it takes more than just a slight knock – or hairline pelvic fracture, as the case was last July – to keep him down. But with genuine ambitions for the Tour of Flanders, the sight of the 27-year-old picking himself up and remounting his bike – with team officials later confirming the all clear – was a very welcome one for British fans.

Well I’m glad to get through that day in one piece!! Stress and crashes galore!! I just don’t understand the risks some guys take #chill

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) March 30, 2014