By Gareth James
Geraint Thomas finished 13th on the second stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico race in Italy.
The Ineos Grenadiers rider came home in the same time as stage winner Julian Alaphilippe after just over five hours in the saddle.
Thomas is now 13th overall having moved up 31 places from his overnight spot following the opening stage.
1. We love this #TirrenoAdriatico lineup 🥰
2. We LOVE this walk-on music this morning 🎸🎸🎸
What would your ideal entrance music be? 🎵🎶 pic.twitter.com/dvFwiLXswm
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) March 11, 2021
The Cardiff-born rider is not targeting victory in the race but looking to continue finishing his best form ahead of June’s Tour de France.
Thomas did launch a late attack on the undulating 202km stage from Camaiore to Chiusdino.
“I’m just looking forward to racing. I haven’t raced my bike a lot. I just want to get some consistent racing,” said Thomas ahead of his third race of the season.
He was 49th at the Etoile de Besseges and 26th at the Tour du Var, with in France last month.
World champion Alaphilippe took the stage after holding off Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert after timing his sprint finish to perfection.
Van Aert leads overall by four seconds with 2018 Tour de France champ Thomas 14 secs adrift following the time bonuses.