'Oh no!' - Geraint Thomas crashes at Giro d'Italia as Ineos team-mates launch rescue mission

Geraint Thomas has a difficult history at the Giro d'Italia. Two freak crashes ended his hunt for victory in 2017 and 2020, while he lost the leader's pink jersey on the final competitive stage to Primoz Roglic last year. The Welshman is back for another crack in 2024 but after shipping time to favourite Tadej Pogacar, he got reacquainted with the Italian tarmac after another spill on Stage 9.

Geraint Thomas' challenging first week at the Giro d'Italia continued as he hit the deck on Stage 9, forcing his Ineos Grenadiers team-mates into rescue mode.

The Welshman went down after a bump with Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) coming out of a roundabout with 57km remaining on the run from Avezzano to Napoli.

"Oh no, not what we wanted! Geraint Thomas involved," announced Rob Hatch on Eurosport commentary.

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"He looks OK, he's getting up, but it's a bit of a mechanical issue."

While Schachmann clutched his arm in pain, Thomas' immediate concern appeared to be a chain issue.

His team-mates and team car quickly rushed to his aid, with the 2018 Tour de France champion requiring a bike change before setting off in pursuit of the peloton.

• 'Very demoralising' - Breakaway crew on how rivals must feel against 'chess master' Pogacar
• 'It's not a real risk' - Breakaway crew discuss whether Pogacar can give away pink jersey

• Grenadiers boss Dempster says his team ‘won’t be last’ to be ‘slapped around’ by Pogacar at Giro

There was some concern that Thomas might be distanced as the pace increased in the bunch, but his comrades soon dragged him back into the action.

His hopes of a first Giro title are already looking slim after shipping two minutes to Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) on Stage 7's individual time trial.

Thomas came closest to winning the overall in Italy last year, only to see an inspired Primoz Roglic snatch the pink jersey away from him on the final competitive stage, while he suffered freak crashes in 2017 and 2020.

'It's utter dominance' - Pogacar produces late attack to win Stage 8

Video credit: TNT Sports

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