Geraint Thomas doesn't envision future outside of INEOS: "I don't see myself racing anywhere else"

Geraint Thomas is about to start his 18th Grand Tour. It's been a very long career in the peloton but one that may continue beyond 2023 as the Welshman reports to still be motivated and enjoying the process behind professional racing.

“I still enjoy it. This year it has been with stopping and starting. It makes me realize how much I still enjoy it," Thomas shared with Cyclism'Actu. "I notice that I want to race and be with the guys. Being with younger guests also keeps you younger. Maybe it also keeps you immature, I don't know."

As INEOS sign a set of young British talents that may lead in the future, Thomas found himself to struggle to find a place to lead the team, but he has done so at the Tour de Suisse and Tour de France last year, where he rode to first and third respectively. It was a performance as impressive as his 2018 win at the Grand Boucle, and despite some illnesses earlier this year he's not lost the urge to race.

“But I still enjoy coffee rides, I still enjoy six-hour workout rides full of effort, I still enjoy races. That's what it's about. But for now I want to focus on the Giro and we can finish this after the race," he continues. He'll be a big weapon for INEOS Grenadiers, leading alongside Tao Geoghegan Hart - in a team that does feature other riders with tremendous quality.

He recently was part of the winning team at the Tour of the Alps, which dominated the race and spent all days at the front. It was a display of power the team hadn't shown in a few years but a great sign ahead of what's to come, and Thomas assures that he is in the right team if he is to continue his career.

The 36-year old's contract ends at the end of 2023, but he admits there are currently talks to renew. "To be honest, I don't see myself racing anywhere else. I'm already talking to team boss Rod Ellingworth, but of course it also depends on my salary, expectations and role within the team," he concluded.