De Cauwer compliments Thomas for helping Cavendish: "Such sportsmanship"

The final stage of the Giro d'Italia became one of nostalgia. Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) lent his good friend Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan Team) a hand towards the stage victory, and Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) claimed the general classification title after facing significant setbacks. José De Cauwer shares his respect for the three main protagonists on Sporza.

"It was a very beautiful victory for Cavendish," said De Cauwer. "No fuss, just a straightforward sprint where he left everyone behind. We will remember this. It somehow helps us forget those first two weeks of misery. And everyone seemed to root for him. I think, when you announce that you're going to retire from racing, you gain sympathy in the peloton."

De Cauwer: "Cycling today consists of sportsmen who grant each other victories"

De Cauwer was surprised by Thomas. The Belgian commentator found it impressive how relaxed the Welshman was riding his bike after losing his chance of a Giro victory just a day earlier. "From the very beginning of the broadcast, you could see Thomas talking to Roglic for minutes on end. He was very relaxed, something I rarely see. And this was after losing the pink jersey on the penultimate day. And then his effort for Cavendish, which was just phenomenal, and such a great display of sportsmanship. Very beautiful. Cycling today consists of sportsmen who grant each other victories."

"We will never know how things would have turned out with Remco in the mix," De Cauwer continues his story about the duel that never happened. "But among the men in the race, Roglic was the deserving winner. Although I must say that yesterday once again made a case that these types of time trials don't belong in the course. Still, because of the last two days, I give this Giro a 7. I have a lot of respect for Cavendish and Roglic, but even more respect for what Thomas has taught us."