‘Just stay calm and relaxed’: Tao Geoghegan Hart one day from second-ever overall victory
As the Tour of the Alps heads into its final day, Tao Geoghegan Hart of Ineos Grenadiers seems poised to take overall victory in Brunico. Barring any major setbacks, the green jersey holder should reach the finish line on Friday ahead of the pack. Stage four saw something of an upset, with a breakaway group successfully chasing down the leaders. Victory went to Austria’s Gregor Mühlberger, who had not won a race in 1,000 days. Geoghegan Hart, meanwhile, had gone 832 days before his win at Valenciana in February, between his 2020 Giro d’Italia victory and his current run at the Tour of the Alps.
Geoghegan Hart has been dominant throughout the race, winning two stages and maintaining a comfortable 22-second lead overall. The Londoner has been calm under pressure, telling the media that a good relationship with one’s team is crucial in Grand Tours but that ultimately, the leader must have the legs to win. Ineos has been testing out its expected Giro d’Italia line-up, with Geoghegan Hart praising the unity of his colleagues. Looking ahead to the final day, he stressed the importance of sticking together and remaining calm. If all goes according to plan, Geoghegan Hart will ride out of the Alps as a very strong contender for the Giro crown.
