Geraint Thomas describes himself as a “normal bloke from Cardiff,” but his journey from a modest background to winning the Tour de France tells a story of relentless determination, discipline, and endurance. Known for his laidback persona off the bike, Thomas reveals that behind the easy-going image was a fierce competitor obsessed with preparation and performance.
Unlike the outspoken Mark Cavendish or the flamboyant Bradley Wiggins, Thomas preferred to let his results speak for themselves. His calm, grounded nature hid the grit required to thrive at the top of professional cycling. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledges the extreme suffering and resilience needed to succeed in one of the toughest sports in the world. Riding through pain became second nature — he once completed the 2013 Tour de France with a fractured pelvis, proving that mental strength often mattered more than physical comfort.
Thomas says the hardest part was not the racing itself but the months of solitary training that built the foundation for his success. “The training is the hard bit. The racing is the fun bit,” he admits, emphasizing the self-discipline it took to push himself every day without supervision.
Now 39 and newly retired, Thomas says he will miss the intensity, structure, and sense of purpose that came with being a professional athlete. To fill that gap, he plans to take on an Ironman challenge, continuing his pursuit of physical and mental excellence.
Looking back, Thomas takes pride not only in his Tour de France victory in 2018 and his Olympic gold medals but also in his longevity — competing at the elite level for nearly two decades. He narrowly missed another Grand Tour win at the 2023 Giro d’Italia but insists he has no regrets.
Thomas also reflects on the state of cycling today, expressing confidence that the sport is cleaner than ever. He praises riders like Tadej Pogacar for their extraordinary talent and believes his own success proves great things can be achieved through hard work and integrity.
As he transitions into a mentoring role with Ineos Grenadiers, Thomas hopes to pass on his wealth of experience to the next generation. Though his racing days are over, his competitive spirit — and his drive to be the best — clearly remain unbroken.
