Geraint Thomas breaks down the decision to include Josh Tarling in Netcompany INEOS’ Vuelta a España team

Netcompany INEOS announced its roster for the Vuelta a España at the last minute on Thursday, and anyone who sees the eight names will immediately realise that this makes perfect sense. Following the death of his brother Finlay last week during the Tour of Portugal, Joshua Tarling decided to start the race after all. Head of Racing Geraint Thomas explains this in his “Watts Occurring” podcast.

"The main and most logical reason was, of course, to see how Josh was doing, but that was pretty last-minute," said Thomas, who, like the Tarling family, is from Wales. “Unfortunately, we’ve heard this a few times before in recent years. And when it hits so close to home, it naturally hits even harder.”

"Like you said: we know Josh very well. He’s part of the team now, and of course he’s from Wales, so it just hits you extra hard. And when you’re so close to someone who’s been affected by this… well, it’s just tragic. And something like that should never happen while someone is doing what he loves...”

"Anyway, Josh is handling it his own way. And you know, he’s a tough guy. He’s been to Portugal, he’s been to Wales, but he’s still really eager to ride the Vuelta," Thomas continues. “So he’s going to start. He’s part of that team. It wasn’t a decision taken lightly by him or by the team, but he’s been very firm over the past week that he wants to start.”

"I think he just wants to get back to his daily routine. He doesn't want to just sit around at home doing nothing—not to quote him verbatim, but that's the gist of it. "You know, he just wants to be back with the team, be involved in cycling, think about it, and sit with the guys on the bus," Thomas explains.

"Before last week, you'd say he was probably one of the favorites—if not the top favorite—for the time trial," Thomas says. "Last week, of course, things turned out differently, but he's really eager to get started and see what he can do. We’re under no illusions—it’s obviously a risk for him and the team for him to start.”

"If, after two days, he realizes it was the wrong decision after all, he can of course go home. The team will support him in every way," Thomas said. "If he does the reconnaissance on Saturday, gives it his all over those 9 kilometers, and then sees where he ends up. I think Big Ben (Turner, ed.) will also ride a strong time trial. But then again, of the two, Josh is the strongest on paper,” said the Welshman.

Netcompany INEOS is fielding a well-balanced team for the Vuelta. “Oscar Onley will be the team leader.” He’s had a year of ups and downs—illness and crashes—but this is his first Grand Tour with the team. He did very well in Burgos, showed he has strong legs, and it’s simply a matter of him stepping up and enjoying the race.'

"It looks promising. He's super motivated; he's really looking forward to it. He's worked so hard to bounce back from all the setbacks this year. So yeah, it’s really great to send him out there with the guys and see what he can do. Onley is assisted by Carlos Rodriguez and Embred Svestad-Bardseng

"And then we have Jack Haig, Axel (Laurance, ed.), Big Ben, Josh, and Lucas Hamilton for the moderately difficult mountain stages and the flat sections," Thomas continues. “I think quite a few breakaways could succeed in the Vuelta. I think there are plenty of opportunities. So yes, it’s a pretty versatile team, and they’re all eager to get started. It’s going to be exciting.”