"If my maths is correct, I’ll be starting my 241st Tour stage tomorrow" - Veteran Geraint Thomas set for 13th Tour de France grand depart, 17 years after his debut

One of the most experienced riders in the peloton at the 2024 Tour de France, the 38-year-old Geraint Thomas will soon be embarking on the 13th Grand Depart of his lengthy career amongst the sport's elite riders.

"If my maths is correct, I’ll be starting my 241st Tour stage tomorrow," the Welshman writes on his official social media ahead of the opening of the 111th Tour de France on Saturday. "And trust me, they don’t get any easier. But the emotions never change and I can’t wait for it. I hope you all enjoy the next three weeks. My 13th Tour coming right up."

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Making his Grand Tour debut at the 2007 Tour de France for Barloworld, it wasn't until three years later, then riding for Team Sky that Thomas first left his mark on cycling's showpiece event. Finishing 2nd on stage 3 behind Thor Hushovd, Thomas moved into the White Jersey of Best Young Rider, holding the jersey for 4 days, a feat he would beat a year later, when he wore the White Jersey for six days in 2011.

Undoubtedly Thomas' career best performance came at the 2018 edition of the Tour de France. After being consigned to super domestique duty in service of Chris Froome for the years prior, Thomas got his own chance in 2018 and boy did he make the most of it. With Froome attempting to win his 4th successive Grand Tour (after Tour 2017, Vuelta 2017 & Giro 2018 wins ed.), Thomas emerged as the strongest rider in the then-named Team Sky.

Thomas (L) and Froome (R) gave Team Sky two riders on the podium at the 2018 Tour de France

Thomas took the win on stage 11 in La Rosière Espace San Bernardo, gaining 20 seconds on main rival Tom Dumoulin and moving into the Maillot Jaune in the process. The following stage, Thomas was at it again, winning atop the mythical Alpe d'Huez and further strengthening his overall lead of the race. In the end, despite the best efforts of Dumoulin, there was no stopping the Welshman, who secured the Maillot Jaune and his first - and so far only - Grand Tour triumph. 

At the 2024 Tour de France, it looks like being a revert back to domestique duty for Thomas as INEOS Grenadiers punt for Carlos Rodriguez as the team's main GC hopeful. Thomas, who is still showing good legs, taking a podium home from the Giro d'Italia earlier this year, may yet play a role in the podium fight at this Grand Tour. Could we also see the Brit turn super leadout again to help his compatriot and former teammate Mark Cavendish's attempt to take a record breaking 35th Tour de France stage win?

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