Geraint Thomas got his 2019 season underway in Spain as he confirmed he will focus on the defence of his Tour de France title this year.

The Cardiff-born rider clocked the 13th fastest time in the opening time trial at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.

And beforehand, Thomas dismissed suggestions he might compete in May’s Giro d’Italia insisting he wanted to be fully prepared for Le Tour.

Thomas clocked 13 minutes and 15 seconds across the course which featured a steep final climb in Orihuela on the opening day of the five stage event.

But Thomas is using the race to test his fitness as he begins the build-up to the defence of his Yellow Jersey in July.

Not bad… Not good… But as expected. Nice to be back racing though pic.twitter.com/mzsjPYOkvH

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) February 6, 2019

“I tried to go out at a solid pace, but I knew starting that last climb I wasn’t going to have the legs to keep this going all the way to the top,” said the Team Sky rider.

“It was okay I just lacked that strength really at the end.  It is what it is and I’m pleased, considering the work I’ve done with no top end (training).

“I could have ridden it a bit better and saved myself for that climb a little bit more. But that was a good hit out and same again for the next few days.”

Thomas has been linked in the past few weeks with lining-up at the Giro d’Italia having seen his victory hopes dashed in 2017 after a crash.

Team-mate and defending Giro champ Chris Froome had insisted this year’s course – with three time-trials – would suit Thomas.

But the Monaco-based ace has confirmed that all he is focussing on is Le Tour where he will be battling against Froome for the Yellow Jersey.

“The Giro feels like unfinished business and I wanted to think about that,” added Thomas. Maybe I’ll race it next year but this year has always been about the Tour.”

“As defending champion I feel as if I have to go back and want to be in the best shape possible.”