Thomas fails to cash in after being pipped to summit

Britain’s Geraint Thomas enjoyed another eventful day at the Tour de France – including a near 200km ride at the front, two tumbles and missing out on a 5,000 Euro prize.

The 25-year-old Team Sky rider from Cardiff was one of the main protagonists on yesterday’s 211km 12th stage from Cugnaux to Luz-Ardiden – winning the prix de combative award for the day’s most aggressive rider after being denied a cash prize for being the first rider over the 2011 Tour’s first hors categorie (beyond category) climb, the Col du Tourmalet.

Thomas, who fell twice in quick succession earlier in the day, was beaten to the summit of the 17.1km fabled Pyrenean peak by breakaway companion Jeremy Roy (FDJ) and was unaware of the prize.

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“No wonder he went for it,” said Thomas, who would have put in an additional effort had he been aware of the cash which accompanied the Souvenir Jacques Goddet.

“Five thousand Euros – you can do a lot with that, you can buy a lot of beers with that.”

The Welshman, who received a consolation of 2000 Euros for being the day’s most combative rider, said he was conserving energy on the Tourmalet for the day’s third major climb, the 13.3km hors categorie ascent to the finish at Luz-Ardiden. “I was feeling good and the buzz from the crowd helped a lot as well,” he added.

Thomas wore the white jersey for best young rider until last Friday when he lost three minutes 18 seconds waiting for team leader Bradley Wiggins, who crashed out with a broken collarbone.

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Thomas has been in the thick of the action throughout the 12 days of racing thus far.

Thomas, who began the day in 31st place overall, 5mins 51secs behind yellow jersey incumbent Thomas Voeckler (Europcar), was the virtual race leader early in the stage after making the six-man break, which escaped after 2km.

Thomas did not contest the intermediate sprint after 92km, but Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad), wearing the points classification leader’s green jersey and a green helmet, did – leading the peloton across the line in seventh place to strengthen his position.

Thomas ended up in 36th place, 5:20 behind stage winner Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi), but moved up to 25th overall, 10:21 adrift of Voeckler.

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Frenchman Voeckler finished 50 seconds behind Sanchez to retain the maillot jaune on Bastille Day, but three-time champion Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-SunGard) lost time to his major rivals.

Frank Schleck was third, behind Sanchez and Jelle Vanendert, to move to second overall, 1:49 behind.