Brailsford admits Thomas proved Ineos management wrong at Tour de France

Dave Brailsford, director of sport for Ineos, has lauded the Tour de France performances of veteran Geraint Thomas and debutant Tom Pidcock, in which the Welshman finished third and the 22-year-old took a spectacular stage win at Alpe d’Huez, while also admitting that the 36-year-old proved team management wrong.

Brailsford said Thomas’s third-place finish was “to be admired greatly”, adding: “He has brought his years and years of experience to this and that’s what got him his third place in this year’s Tour. He’s been brilliant, we have seen the best version of himself. Everybody feels it’s a very satisfying performance for him and the team.”

But Brailsford also accepted that Thomas’s enduring ambition might have been underestimated by team management. Asked if Thomas had proven a point to those within Ineos who had doubted him, Brailsford said: “Well, if I was in his shoes I’d have a wry smile on my face, let’s face it. We sat down and agreed that he’d be a role model to the young lads, a perfect teammate, and I think that slightly relaxed approach worked.

“Basically, he hasn’t put a foot wrong all season. He’s a natural mentor. In the end, top young riders watch the older top riders and for Tom [Pidcock] and the others to watch Geraint and see how he handles himself, well, they will take a huge amount from that.” 

Pidcock’s first Tour saw him finish 17th overall, but also take a spectacular stage win on the coveted climb of Alpe d’Huez, a success that allied his fearless descending skills with an inspired climbing display. “His win on Alpe d’Huez sums him up,” Brailsford said of Pidcock. “He was respected for the win but also loved for the manner of the win.

Asked if Pidcock could be developed into a Tour contender in