Thomas: I'm not missing the Classics

The Welshman lies seventh in the overall standings at the Volta a Catalunya in what is an atypical start to the season for the two-time Olympic team pursuit champion.

Thomas is more used to battling it out on the cobbled roads of northern Europe in March and April, but instead he is choosing a more mountainous start to his season as he targets the general classification in May's Giro D'Italia.

He will go there as joint leader of Team Sky, alongside Spain's Mikel Landa, and joked that he may avoid watching the classics as his teammates Luke Rowe and Ian Stannard are given their own chances to shine.

"For sure, I might just not watch them," he said. "It's [Tour of} Flanders next week and I'm still thinking that maybe I should ask Tim [Kerrison - coach] if I can just drop in.

"But, honestly, no I'm not missing it. I'm going to stick to one thing this year and see how it goes. It's a completely different season for me, different ambitions and goals. And I'm really enjoying it."

Despite his insistence of not missing the classics, he did suggest a slightly flatter end to the Giro would be more suited to his natural riding style.

"I think if I was designing I wouldn't put in quite so many climbs," he added.

"It's certainly a tough final week, which is where the race is going to be won. It's all about finishing strongly at the end and I'm looking forward to it." Sportsbeat 2017