Geraint Thomas Reflects on Epic Showdown With Tadej Pogacar as Historic Feat Awaits in Italy

Legendary rivalries pretty much sum up the essence of sports that keeps the audience glued to their seats. Without such face-offs, the realm of sports would cease to be as exciting as it is in reality. A similarly fierce rivalry in cycling, the face-off between Tadej Pogacar and Geraint Thomas has been brewing recently. Both Thomas and Pogacar are preparing to compete in the prestigious Giro d’Italia and the Italian Grand Tour, which will be underway in May this year. 

Apart from the Italian Grand Tour, both the cyclists will also have the coveted Tour de France in mind. Recently, Thomas reflected on his much-discussed rivalry with the Slovenian in an interview. Let’s now take a closer look at the story and hear what Thomas has to say. 

Geraint Thomas speaks about epic cycling rivalry

With two of the biggest races awaiting the cyclists, both Thomas and Pogacar would want to take one race at a time. The Italian tour has a significant caveat for both of them to get excited. Apparently, no one has managed to win both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour in a season after the great Marco Pantani achieved the feat in 1998. Thus, this would be a golden opportunity for them to embellish their name on the elite list of cycling forever. 

As a matter of fact, Geraint Thomas came ever so close to creating history in the previous edition but failed. Thomas excelled throughout the race until he faltered in the finals as Primoz Roglic took home the victory. With the inclusion of Pogacar this year, things would get even tougher for the Welshman. However, Thomas recently spoke on the matter to La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

Shedding light on the rivalry, Thomas stated, “It’s Pogačar and I would have preferred him not to come, but at the same time having him is fantastic,” he said. “His taking part changes the race and his team will carry the weight of the race, but in the years to come he’ll leave a huge legacy as one of the greatest ever.” He also expressed his excitement at being able to rub shoulders with Pogacar and hoped that he did well to hold off the incredible challenge Pogacar posed. 

As it is always easier said than done, let’s hear the plans from Thomas on how he is gearing up for the races. 

Geraint Thomas wary of the daunting challenge 

Thomas knows how difficult it is to accomplish the feat that he is aiming for. He termed the road ahead as a “huge challenge” while emphasizing on the fact that maintaining peak physical conditioning for so long will be a tough ask. However, Thomas looked determined to pull things off as he stated that he wanted to push harder. 

The Welsh cyclist also said that implementing new and difficult routines and succeeding strengthens the character of a rider. Speaking on mental demand, Thomas concluded, “For me, it will take a lot of mental commitment as well as physical. It’s something that excites me. It scares me too, but it’s a good thing. It’s my 19th year as a pro, so it’s nice to mix things up a bit and that will keep me focused.” With that being said, it will be interesting to see who among the two will have the last laugh. Or will there be an entirely different winner? 

What do you think? Do share your opinions in the comments below.