“I Was Just Trying to Hold His Wheel!” – Geraint Thomas and Tadej Pogačar Almost Upset Sprinters with Stunning Late Move on Stage 3 of Giro d’Italia
The Giro d’Italia, one of cycling’s most prestigious Grand Tours, has always been a stage where surprises can unfold, and stage 3 of this year’s edition was no exception. What was supposed to be a straightforward day for the sprinters turned into a thrilling display of tactical brilliance and sheer power, courtesy of two of the peloton’s most respected riders: Geraint Thomas and Tadej Pogačar.
Stage 3 of the Giro was anticipated to be a sprinter’s delight. With a flat profile, many expected a controlled stage where the teams of the fast men would keep the race in check, allowing the pure sprinters to battle it out in the final meters. The early part of the day adhered to this script, with a small breakaway allowed a few minutes’ advantage before being reeled in as the peloton edged closer to the finish.
Both Thomas and Pogačar, known more for their climbing prowess and general classification (GC) ambitions, were expected to stay hidden in the bunch, conserving energy for the more demanding stages ahead. However, as the race entered its final 20 kilometers, something remarkable began to unfold.
As the peloton approached the 15-kilometer mark, the pace was high, with teams like Soudal-QuickStep and Jumbo-Visma leading the charge to set up their sprinters. Amidst the chaos, a moment of opportunity presented itself—a slight hesitation in the pack, a momentary lapse in control. Sensing this, Geraint Thomas, the experienced Welshman and former Tour de France winner, took a daring decision.
“Honestly, I was just trying to hold his wheel!” Thomas later recounted, referring to Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian prodigy who has taken the cycling world by storm with his back-to-back Tour de France victories. Pogačar, ever alert and always willing to exploit any chance, surged forward with his trademark explosive acceleration.
Thomas, realizing the potential of the move, latched onto Pogačar’s wheel, and the duo suddenly found themselves with a small gap. What followed was a masterclass in tactical riding, as the pair, despite not being known for their sprinting capabilities, pushed the pace with a surprising ferocity that caught the sprinters’ teams off guard.
As the kilometers ticked down, the peloton reacted with urgency. Sprinters’ teams, realizing the threat posed by these two powerhouses, scrambled to bring them back. However, with Thomas and Pogačar working in perfect harmony, the gap refused to close as quickly as expected.
The sheer determination of the two riders was evident. Pogačar, known for his aggressive racing style, and Thomas, ever the tactician, swapped turns at the front, pushing the pace to its limits. The sight of two GC contenders attempting to pull off such a move in a flat stage was not only rare but also electrifying.
As the race entered the final five kilometers, the gap was still holding at around 10-15 seconds. The sprinters’ teams were throwing everything into the chase, but the cohesion between Thomas and Pogačar was remarkable. The peloton, now strung out and desperate, was struggling to bring them back.
With two kilometers to go, the gap began to close rapidly. The power of the combined sprinters’ trains was finally telling, and it looked like the dream was over for Thomas and Pogačar. Yet, the duo refused to give in, fighting all the way to the final kilometer.
As they approached the flamme rouge, the red banner signaling one kilometer to go, the peloton was breathing down their necks. The sprinters, like caged animals sensing freedom, were unleashed from their lead-outs, and the catch was inevitable.
In the end, the catch came with just 500 meters to go, a heartbreaking end to a stunning move. The stage was ultimately won by one of the pure sprinters, but the headlines were dominated by the audacious attempt by Thomas and Pogačar to upset the script.
Post-stage, both riders were lauded for their effort. “It was just one of those moments where we saw an opportunity, and we went for it,” Thomas reflected. “I was just trying to hold Pogačar’s wheel, and before we knew it, we had a gap. We gave it everything, but in the end, the sprinters were too strong.”
Pogačar, with his usual humility, praised Thomas. “Geraint is a legend. We didn’t plan this, it just happened. Sometimes, racing is about seizing the moment. We came close, but it wasn’t to be. Still, it was a lot of fun out there.”
The stage may not have resulted in a win for either Thomas or Pogačar, but it was a reminder of why fans love the unpredictability of the Giro d’Italia. In a race often dominated by calculated moves and long-term strategy, moments like this inject a much-needed dose of spontaneity and excitement.
The Giro d’Italia has always been a race where anything can happen, and stage 3 of this year’s edition will be remembered as a testament to that. Geraint Thomas and Tadej Pogačar, two of the sport’s biggest stars, reminded us that cycling is not just about winning—it’s about the thrill of the chase, the courage to take risks, and the sheer love of racing.
While the sprinters took the glory that day, it was Thomas and Pogačar who captured the imagination of fans around the world. Their daring move, though ultimately unsuccessful, was a perfect example of what makes the Giro such a special race. And in a sport where every second counts, sometimes it’s the moments that don’t lead to victory that leave the biggest mark.
