Geraint Thomas (Team Sky)
Geraint Thomas (Team Sky)
Third last year, Geraint Thomas looks even stronger this time out – as he proved with his attack at Milan-San Remo, which but for Luca Paolini’s efforts may have come off.
The Welshman instigated the race-winning move 12 months ago, with an impeccably timed acceleration on the Kwaremont just as Cancellara was rejoining the front group.
From there, it was he who kept the front group together as Omega Pharma-Quickstep’s Vandenbergh and Terpstra tried – and failed – to make the man advantage count.
All that was lacking for the Team Sky man was a sprint finish – his attempt to go long always looked doomed with Sagan for company.
The result showed just what he can do though, and the Welshman is among the form men in the peloton too after success in the Algarve and a great ride as team-mate Richie Porte won Paris-Nice.
With Team Sky still looking to prove themselves in the Classics, this could be the perfect moment – though Thomas may find he is now a marked man.
It is not just the 28-year-old carrying his side’s hopes, however, with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad winner Ian Stannard another to watch.
Stannard crashed out of Milan-San Remo but his injuries are not believed to amount to too much more than bruises and if he can repeat the strength and tactical nous that were displayed in abundance at the Omloop then he too is more-than capable of success.