Watch: Did Geraint Thomas's helmet change cost him the Giro d'Italia?

Jan 11, 2024

INEOS-Grenadiers knows all about marginal gains, but did Geraint Thomas's helmet change result in a marginal loss?

On Saturday's 18.6 km TT, half was flat and fast, and half was uphill, with some of the sections being extremely steep. Many riders started with an aero TT bike, and then swapped in the designated bike pits. Several teams practiced the swap before, and as a result, the exchanges were smooth and quick. The question for many riders was, should they wear an aero helmet for the fast section, or a regular one given the nature of the finish. For Thomas, he opted to start with a TT helmet, and when changing out his bike, also change his lid.

Primoz Roglic seizes pink jersey with masterful ride on Giro's penultimate day

Ultimately, Primoz Roglic would win the stage by 40 seconds over the Welshman, giving him a 14 second final lead, taking the pink jersey. Now, it should be noted that Roglic also dropped his chain in the closing kilometers which undoubtedly cost him time. Looking at the clip below, it was that very long exchange. Was this the moment which spelled the beginning of the end for Thomas?

Geraint Thomas's Giro hotel toilet shows the unglamorous side of pro cycling

Check out the video below.

🔥 @rogla 🆚 @GeraintThomas86

Bike change!#Giro #GirodItalia pic.twitter.com/Eqj0zy4vvG

— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) May 27, 2023