Tadej Pogañar is riding more defensively in Week 3 of the Giro d'Italia to save some energy for the Tour de France, while Geraint Thomas has chosen a more practical approach.

pogañar and Thomas are the only big name riders in the Peloton aiming to peak in both 5 and 7 months, but their approach to the Grand Tour double is different. Poganyar has won 5 stages and has built an almost unbeatable lead in the first half of the race.

Thomas is targeting the podium place in Rome by ticking off the stage every day.

"I'm definitely not about touring, definitely not," Thomas told Cyclingnews and GCN5 when asked if he was thinking about May 7 while racing in Italy.

"I'm just thinking about tomorrow, the next one, and a nice week off. Then I can start to look forward.

Thomas warmed up in the shadow roller of the Ineos Grenadier Team Bath when a rain shower was involved to soak Padua after Stage 18.

He finished safely in the Peloton as tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) won the fast sprint. Teammate Thymen Arensman suffered a slow blowout and had to chase to get back to the Peloton, but otherwise, for Thomas and other GC candidates, even a fast day, it didn't matter.

"You always wanted a little effortless day, but nothing else, but we should have known. It was like that every day," Thomas said of the 178km stage.

"We've been riding pretty hard at times, but obviously the bikes play a big part in that. They were keeping the gap low, and he would get it out and then he would put it back. It was just one of those days, really, and especially mentally. You switch off a bit, but now there are some big days to come.

The 2024 Giro d'Italia will end on Sunday afternoon with a parade stage around the Italian capital. But for Thomas, the 2nd・place battle with Dani Martinez ends in Basso del Grappa after a double climb of the mighty Monte Grappa.

The 157km stage to Zapada on Friday marks the mountainous finale, but it looks perfect for the breakaway as Poganyar and his UAE team, the Emirates team, continue to manage the race.

"I only count 2 stages, we do not count the last stages," Thomas said, continuing his "days" and compartmentalization approach.

"Tomorrow (Friday in Sapada) is another big day, and obviously Saturday is the biggest day.

Thomas is down 8:04 to Poganyal in the overall classification and is only 22 seconds behind Martinez. He is satisfied, but still ambitious.

"You always want more," Thomas said.

"I think I'm satisfied with the way I've been riding so far. I didn't make too many mistakes and tried everything I could. Two more days, and I'll see where I end up."

It's tough against ticks. He rides really well. I ride with him. I think it just tries to see what happens."