article_snippet.sent: With Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara - winners of six of the last 10 races here - missing through injury, Geraint Thomas was one of the favourites to claim the title following Geraint Thomas recent victory in E3 Harelbeke and third-place finish at the Gent-Wevelgem sprint classic.
article_snippet.sent: Geraint Thomas was in contention for much of Sunday's race as Team Sky set the pace in the peloton for lengthy periods, but The Welshman The Welshman was unable to recover ground as Kristoff (Team Katusha) and Terpstra (Etixx - Quick-Step) launched a late breakaway.
article_snippet.sent: Thomas, looking to become only the second Briton to win the event after Tom Simpson in 1961, finished in the chasing pack almost a minute back.
article_snippet.sent: Team Sky's Geraint Thomas finished in 14th position after struggling to close the gap on the likes of Kristoff .
highlights_snippet.sent: Geraint Thomas was among favourites to claim title following recent win .
  