A hugely promising start for Ineos Grenadiers at the Giro d’Italia saw the British team seize the opening stage win and the first overall lead with an uxexpectedly strong Jhonatan Narvaez, simultaneously inflicting a rare, morale-boosting defeat on Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates).
But if Narvaez’s triumph is something of a bonus prize and his aptitude to defend the GC lead is a real unknown, Geraint Thomas' 10th place on the stage, comfortably in the main group of rivals behind Pogačar and company, is an indication that the Ineos rider tapped for the overall remains firmly on course as well.
