Geraint Thomas will retire from cycling at the end of the 2025 season, he announced in a BBC Breakfast interview. The 39-year-old plans to hang up his wheels after 19 years as a professional.
What led to the decision?
Thomas cited his desire to avoid being "that grumpy guy" on the bus, feeling he's still competitive but recognizing it's time to step away.
Career highlights
Geraint Thomas won the Tour de France in 2018 and took Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012. He also finished second at the Tour in 2019 and third in 2022.
Upcoming plans
Thomas will play a support role for Ineos Grenadiers in his 14th and final Tour de France this July, aiming to "maybe try to win a stage but just enjoy the race".
Legacy
Geraint Thomas is one of five men to win both the Tour de France and an Olympic cycling gold medal, alongside Bradley Wiggins, Joop Zoetemelk, Jan Ullrich, and Miguel Indurain.
Thomas broke his pelvis in the first stage of the 2013 Tour but still finished the 21-stage event. He also slammed into a telephone pole and fell into a ditch at the Tour in 2015.
On the Champs-Elysees podium in 2018, Thomas said, "I got into cycling because of this race... the dream was always just to be a part of it". He became the first man from Wales to win the Tour.
Geraint Thomas finished next to last place in his Tour debut in 2007, but went on to win Paris-Nice in 2016. He withdrew from the 2017 Tour after breaking his collarbone in a crash.
The only Tour de France winners to compete in more total Tours than Thomas are Joop Zoetemelk and Lucien van Impe. Thomas placed second and third at the Giro d’Italia in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Thomas posted on social media, "Thought it was time we made it official... Yes, this will be my last year in the peloton". He reflected on his 19-year career, saying, "Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being a pro for 19 years".
Geraint Thomas will focus on preparing for his final races, including the Tour de France, before retiring at the end of the 2025 season.