Former-tour De France winner Geraint Thomas to retire

Paris: Former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas will retire at the end of this season, the 38-year-old Welsh cycling star announced on Monday.

“Thought it was time we made it official. Yes, this will be my last year in the peloton,” the Ineos rider posted on X.

“It’s not been a bad run, eh?” added the decorated all-rounder, who won Olympic team pursuit golds in 2008 and 2012 and claimed three world titles, also in team pursuit.

While Thomas has an impressive career decorated with numerous accolades, his 2018 Tour de France victory remains his most cherished achievement.

“Beijing was massive, my first Olympics and winning gold there,” Thomas told the BBC. “But the Tour’s what changed my life, being recognized all over the place.”

“I was in Alcatraz, and some dude recognized me. I think that’s when you know it went up a level.”

“The yellow jersey is iconic. You go anywhere in the world, and people will know the yellow jersey, how it signifies cycling and its history. So to be a part of that history and to win it, I just pinch myself,” he added.

Thomas, who finished third in last year’s Giro d’Italia, will take on one final Tour de France this year in a supporting role for his British team. While he acknowledges he will not be competing for the general classification, he hopes to enjoy the race and perhaps take a stage victory.

“Maybe try to win a stage but just enjoy the race,” he said.

When asked why he chose to retire now, despite still competing at a high level, Thomas explained his reasoning.

“This is my 19th year as a professional, and I didn’t want to do one year too many and be the grumpy guy in the team.”