BREAKING: Geraint Thomas confirms retirement from professional cycling
Cycling
After months of speculation, it has now been confirmed that 2025 will be Geraint Thomas’ final season as a professional cyclist.
The 2018 Tour de France champion shared the news on Twitter, writing, “Thought it was time we made it official. Yes, this will be my last year in the peloton. It's not been a bad run eh? Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being a pro for 19 years. There'll be lots of time to reflect but, before then, I've got some big races to prep for.”
Over the course of his career, Thomas has secured three Tour de France stage victories, two Olympic gold medals on the track, and a runner-up finish behind Primoz Roglic at the 2023 Giro d'Italia.
“Since I was a kid I dreamt of riding the Tour and being part of the Olympics and winning was obviously a dream as well, but to achieve that was just nuts," the INEOS Grenadiers rider told BBC Breakfast.
"I think now the decision is official, you do start to reflect because when you're in it, it's just one thing after the next, year after year, so you don't really appreciate it. I guess at the time you enjoy it but I don't think you sit back and reflect and think, so there will be a bit of that this year."
This summer, the 38-year-old will focus on the Tour de France, where he is expected to take on a supporting role while also aiming for a stage win and making the most of the experience in the race he triumphed in back in 2018.
"Beijing was massive, my first Olympics and winning gold there," Thomas said. "But the Tour's what changed my life, being recognised all over the place.
"I was in Alcatraz and some dude recognised 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."
Reflecting on his decision to retire, he explained, "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.
"I'm still really enjoying it, I still feel competitive and the last year has been good, but I think the timing's right. With my family, I'm looking forward to moving back to Cardiff.
"There's stuff I think I'll miss, the racing, being here in Monaco, but it will be nice just to be around more and to take on a new challenge."
As he looks ahead to life beyond professional cycling, Thomas is keen to stay motivated. "Having options is always good," he said. "I need a purpose. Since I was about 17 or 18, I've always been working towards a goal.
"To not be working towards anything would be nice for maybe a month, then I'll just go crazy, so I'll definitely have to have some goals.
"I want to do an Ironman. I only run two or three times a year, so that's something that needs a bit of work! It's about challenging myself in different ways."
Beyond sporting challenges, he is also looking forward to spending more time with loved ones. "That's the main thing, just being around more and not missing events - birthdays, weddings, parties or whatever," he added. "I'm looking forward to that side of things."
Following his final Tour de France and a summer of racing, Thomas plans to conclude his career at the Tour of Britain in September.
"It would be epic if that happens. I haven't really thought about it much, but when I do start thinking about it, it's going to be emotional. Maybe I'll shed a tear or two," he admitted.
"It would be some way to finish, whether it's Cardiff or wherever, the Tour of Britain as the final race. It's full circle, isn't it? Finishing my career back home."
Before then, his 2025 season begins on Wednesday at the Tour of the Algarve, followed by an appearance at Tirreno-Adriatico.
Thought it was time we made it official. Yes, this will be my last year in the peloton 🤝 It's not been a bad run eh? Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being a pro for 19 years. There'll be lots of time to reflect but, before then, I've got some big races to prep for 👀 pic.twitter.com/7HTOBuEnXx
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) February 17, 2025
So does this mean that he's officially making it official now?
Valid until he announces the by now almost obligatory come-back.
If he DOESN’T announce his comeback before 2030 I will grow my sideburns, again. It’s actually partially thanks to Geraint I have my current life and another son. I bet some guys I’d grow sideburns if he won the Tour and though she hated them on me, it kind of influenced her to explore if there was more to me than my awful retro look.
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