The weather forecast indicates the occurrence of heavy rain during today’s (August 27th) stage in Barcelona. Despite the high temperatures, the conditions will remain quite challenging. After a already dramatic team time trial, some competitors are advocating for the possibility of implementing a neutralization due to the weather conditions.
Geraint Thomas suggests that the race should consider a time neutralization in the final kilometers: “But with bad weather, they could do it about six to seven kilometers from the finish, just before we start the loop on the local circuit. I hope the organization listens, because otherwise some descents are really dangerous.”
The finale won’t be flat or for sprinters, but rather mainly for the GC contenders. Ultimately, this will decrease the chances of that happening; the riders will climb the Alto de Montjuic but then make a short descent before the climb along the Olympic Stadium.
Thomas also reveals that Remco Evenepoel agrees with him: “In any case, it would be the safer option. I talked to him about it and he thinks exactly the same. Registering times at a certain point is simply the best solution. Actually, I think every GC rider feels that way.”