Geraint Thomas shakes off crash to win bronze at Commonwealth Games time trial

Velo News

Geraint Thomas survived three weeks at the Tour de France without going down, but fate caught up with Thursday.

Racing for Wales at the Commonwealth Games, he crashed early in the individual time trial race Thursday but still managed to earn bronze. Luckily, he was not seriously injured, and he could still race for the podium.

“Sometimes it's just pure bad luck but I'd say today I take it on the chin as my fault," Thomas said. "I was keen to try to do my best ride. I felt every corner was not full so I don't have to brake too much, I was wrong with that.

"I knew Rohan was going to be super good. I had to be on the limit but for it to happen so early on is one of those things."

Hot off hitting third at the Tour de France, Thomas was one of the favorites in the 37.4km test against the clock.

He crashed early in his ride and slipped out on one of the early corners, costing him valuable seconds that might have kept from finishing even better. After remounting the bike, he was able to drive home a podium spot.

No one could stop Rohan Dennis (Australia), who won in 46 minutes, 21 seconds. Fred Wright was second at 26 seconds slower, and Thomas third at 28 seconds off the fastest time.

“It’s an honor. It’s great to finally be on the top spot of the podium here,” Dennis said. “I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of Australian flags along the side of the road. I didn't build up the race well. Perhaps, the nerves were to blame. In the end, everything fell into place and I took the gold. I am thrilled with this.”

Grace Brown brings home gold

Grace Brown of Australia won the women’s race, with Anna Henderson in second at 34 seconds slower, and Georgia Williams of New Zealand in third at 1:20 slower.

“I had the target on my back. I tried not to take on too much of the pressure of being the favourite, just staying calm and focusing on what I had to do,” Brown said said.

“I executed what was expected of me.

“It’s a landmark. From an Australian perspective, to be a gold medallist at a Commonwealth Games is something Australian sport acknowledges,” she said.

“That’s super special despite the fact cycling in the Commonwealth Games isn’t huge. It is still a special thing to have on your resume.”

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