Geraint Thomas won the Tour de France in 2018. He finished on the podium three times.
What happened?
Thomas rode the three-week event 14 times, finishing as the 140th of 141 survivors in his first Tour de France at 21.
Career highlights
He was the first Welshman to wear the iconic leader's yellow jersey after winning the opening time trial in 2017. Thomas cemented his legacy as a Welsh sporting legend by triumphing in Paris in 2018.
Tour de France record
His 2018 victory was not his only appearance on the Champs Elysees podium, he finished second in 2019 and third in 2022. Thomas rode his final Tour de France in 2025, with the span of 18 years between his first and final Tour being the longest for any rider in the history of the race.
Welsh connections
The 2027 Tour de France will come to Welsh roads for the first time, with stage three setting off from Welshpool to Cardiff. Josh Tarling becomes the sixth Welshman to ride Le Tour, having made the start line for the 2026 edition.
Thomas' victory in 2018 was inspired by Sir David Brailsford's 'marginal gains' approach, which led to Team Sky's success in the Tour de France. Luke Rowe, a vital part of the Sky/Ineos winning machine, grew up with Thomas in Cardiff and rode eight editions of the Tour de France from 2015 to 2022.
The Tour de France has a rich history of Welsh connections, with Colin Lewis being the first Welsh cyclist to compete in the event in 1967. Lewis lost his friend and room-mate Tommy Simpson, who died while ascending Mont Ventoux in blazing heat on stage 13.
On 4 July 2026, it will be exactly one year to go until the Tour de France comes to Welsh roads for the first time. The event will be a significant milestone for Welsh cycling, with Geraint Thomas' legacy continuing to inspire future generations of cyclists.
Thomas' retirement in 2025 marked the end of an era for Welsh cycling, but his legacy will live on through his achievements in the Tour de France. The 2027 event will be a celebration of Welsh cycling, with Geraint Thomas' name etched in the history books as one of the greatest Welsh cyclists of all time.
The Tour de France will continue to be a major event in the road cycling calendar, with Geraint Thomas' name synonymous with excellence and achievement in the sport. His victory in 2018 will always be remembered as a highlight of his career, and his legacy will continue to inspire cyclists around the world.
Geraint Thomas' career has been marked by numerous achievements, including his victory in the Tour de France in 2018. He has finished on the podium three times and has ridden the three-week event 14 times.
The 2027 Tour de France will be a significant event for Welsh cycling, with Geraint Thomas' legacy continuing to inspire future generations of cyclists. The event will be a celebration of Welsh cycling, with Thomas' name etched in the history books as one of the greatest Welsh cyclists of all time.