"I wasn’t sure I was going to get here" - Geraint Thomas nearly misses his farewell race

The 2025 edition of Lloyd's Bank Tour of Britain will be easily distinguished among other years as it coincides with being the final professional race in the rich career of Geraint Thomas. But it wouldn't be G if even his participation alone didn't go without a story. In fact, the 39-year-old Welshman almost missed his farewell race completely.

"It could be worse, it’s not so bad," Thomas told reporters before the first stage. "I wasn’t sure I was going to get here yesterday with the flights and stuff, but I’m happy to be here now, and I’m buzzing, looking forward to it."

"There was a fault with the plane, and then a storm came in, so the other plane to take us couldn’t get in. There were flights being cancelled all over the place, and I thought it could be tight here, but luckily the flight finally went at around midnight, I think. I got to bed about two o’clock."

In front of the home crowds, Ineos Grenadiers will sport a special jersey that reminiscens Geraint's 16 seasons with the British formations as well as his greatest successes.

"It’s pretty mad, the effort the team’s gone to with the bikes and the jersey, and obviously the organiser as well, having the finish in Cardiff. It’s going to be a special week, that’s for sure," said Thomas.

For his final race, it will be mostly about savoring the moment and atmosphere, rather than competing for top results. The parcours in any case miss some of what Thomas would need - long climbs and a ideally a lengthy time trial.

"The main thing is enjoying it, making the most of it and making it something to remember. Obviously, we’ve got a strong team here and I’ll do my bit for the boys. I’m not really in the shape to win myself, but we’ve got some good guys here to perform."

Ineos Grenadiers brought an ambitious team for this year's Tour of Britain with Thymen Arensman to target the general classification that is likely to be decided on the penultimate day with finish on The Tumble - a 5.5 km climb with average gradient of 7.3%. Meanwhile Sam Watson should put his name out there in bunch arrivals.

"It’s certainly been a year of lasts, really, not now the lasts are getting a bit more significant – last training day, last pre-race ride and this and that," said Thomas, who is set to join the Ineos management team from 2026.

"It’s like when you’re a kid and Christmas seems so far away. This last race seemed far away, but suddenly it’s here. But it’s the last week of racing, so I’m going to try and enjoy it. It feels like the right time anyway, so I’m happy it’s finishing – but it’s also going to be a strange feeling."