Geraint Thomas wins Criterium du Dauphine for Team Sky
Written by News on 10/06/2018
Geraint Thomas has won the Criterium du Dauphine to hand Team Sky their sixth victory in the last eight years in the event.
Thomas finished 60 seconds ahead of nearest rival Adam Yates, winner of the final stage, with an overall time of 24 hours, 43 minutes and 12 seconds.
French rider Romain Bardet took third in the overall standings.
“It’s amazing to win such a prestigious race,” said Thomas. “It’s incredible. I didn’t let myself think so far ahead. I was always thinking of the next day or the next day. Now I realise I’ve won a massive race.
“Punctures today didn’t really help. I had to chase back on. The guys rode really well for me. On the last climb, I just knew I had about 1’20” to lose on Yatesy.
“Each kilometre I was more confident and happier. Finally, at 200 [metres] to go, when they started sprinting for the win, I was relieved. I can rest a little bit and wait for July. This is a confidence booster for the Tour.”
Yates, who attacked several times on Sunday, overtook Dani Navarro on the final climb to Saint-Gervais to take the Stage Seven honours.
Navarro finished second on Sunday, with Bardet completing the podium.
Thomas becomes the fifth British winner of the Criterium du Dauphine, after Brian Robinson, Robert Millar, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.
Team Sky also won the team event – finishing seven minutes and 18 seconds ahead of Team Emirates.
(c) Sky News 2018: Geraint Thomas wins Criterium du Dauphine for Team Sky
