Geraint Thomas "the clear leader of the team" at Tour de France says Wiggins

Geraint Thomas experienced a complicated season, until the Tour de Suisse that is, where the Briton bounced back to take a convincing win in the overall classification and setting himself up for a protected role into the Tour de France.

"I've never met anyone like him, who has such a strong mindset really," Wiggins said on Eurosport's Cycling Show. “Even though he might not have the physical attributes he had a couple of years ago when he won the Tour – as happens to us all – that recent win in the Tour de Suisse was incredible. For sure, he’s in podium contention

"And because of the real racer that Geraint is, if it gets down to a position where there’s a little bit of cat and mouse between UAE and Jumbo-Visma, he could slip into a move and surprise everyone," the former Tour de France winner said.

Wiggins is not shy from launching bold claims, often in favour of his old teammates, and he has once again shared his opinion regarding INEOS' leadership: "He's 36 now, he's coming back from a couple of injury-struck years. Maybe there's a little bit of him challenging for his status within the team as a leader the last couple of years with Carapaz and Bernal. He's now sort of forged himself into a point where he's, for me, the clear leader of the team, having won the Tour of Suisse. "

With Adam Yates recovering from Covid-19 though, Thomas has definitely gained more credibility to be a team leader in France, but it would be an illogical move from the British team to sacrifice other members - which include Daniel Martínez who's been one of the best performing riders of the season.

Wiggins goes on to talk about the 36-year old: "It's amazing to see him come back year after year with all the injuries he's had and sustained and still get himself into form for the Tour. Even though he's finished first and second in the past I think there's an element of him which is the underdog really and he's in a great position now where he can bounce off the other riders," he concluded.