Geraint Thomas just missed out on a medal as he blasted to fourth place at the UCI World Time Trial Championships at Imola in Italy.
The Cardiff-born rider missed out on the bronze on his debut for the GB team in the TT at the championship by just eight seconds.
Thomas clocked a blistering 36 mins 31.12 secs to take over the hot seat at the grand prix track.
But Thomas’ Ineos Grenadiers team-mate Filippo Ganna took gold with an astonishing time of 35:54.10 on home soil.
Geraint Thomas, already flying in Italy! #Imola2020 pic.twitter.com/QZ5x2Gd8yh
— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) September 25, 2020
Wout van Aert was second (36:20.82) with Steffan Kung claiming the bronze just ahead of Wales’ 2018 Tour de France champ in 36:23.90.
But Thomas’ performance showed that he will be a serious contender as he heads to Sardinia for the Giro d’Italia which starts tomorrow week (3 October)
The route for the second Grand Tour of the season includes three individual races against the clock.
Thomas had shown his return to form earlier this month when he finished second at the Tirreno-Adriatico.
And he again demonstrated why he will be a threat at the Giro as he looks to bag the second Grand Tour victory of his campaign.