"I've certainly had better Tours" - Covid concerns and Giro fatigue ensure disappointing 2024 Tour de France for Geraint Thomas

Despite on paper at least having a very strong lineup that included the likes of Carlos Rodriguez, Tom Pidcock, Egan Bernal and Geraint Thomas, the 2024 Tour de France was ultimately something of a disappointment for the INEOS Grenadiers team.

Speaking after the conclusion of the 2024 Tour de France in Nice on Sunday, 2018 Maillot Jaune winner Thomas reflected on a difficult three weeks. "It was always going to be tough," admits the Welshman, who earlier this year finished on the final podium of the Giro d'Italia for the second straight edition. "I was feeling okay and good enough to get stuck in and feel competitive, but then obviously there was a bit of sickness in camp and yeah it was hard."

With Pidcock forced out of the Grand Tour through Covid, Thomas, who himself tested positive, carried on. "It felt like just kind of getting through and surviving that second week, then this last week I gave it everything and tried to help the boys when I could. But I was kind of at my limit really. I've certainly had better Tours, but I think we can still be proud that we gave it everything we had anyway."

With two Grand Tour podiums in the last two years, the now 38-year-old Thomas remains INEOS Grenadiers most viable GC threat over three weeks. With the Welshman set to retire at the end of next season however, he is well aware the team need to look to the future.

"There's a lot of things to look at, from the coaching to the training, to the group of guys you have," Thomas says thoughtfully and carefully. "The whole cycling world is moving on all the time and we are as well, but it's moving a bit quicker I think. The main thing is the team has those things you can't train. The grit, the determination and everything, that's the main thing then everything else will fall into place. As long as you're dedicated, give it everything everyday, don't give up and stay positive, that's the core you need."