"My girlfriend looked on in shame" - Laurens De Plus recalls his embarrassing antics at Geraint Thomas's Giro d'Italia after party

Laurens de Plus recently extended his deal with the INEOS Grenadiers, keeping the 28-year-old with the British team until 2026. The Belgian will surely be hoping not to replicate scenes from earlier this year however.

Following Geraint Thomas's second placed finish at the 2023 Giro d'Italia, a race in which de Plus himself secured a top-10, general classification finish. The Welshman organised a lavish post-race after party in Monaco as de Plus recalls in conversation with the Domestique Podcast.

"The entire Giro team was invited by 'G' to celebrate our achievements in the Giro. He took us on a boat trip around Monaco where we also went to the club," explains the Belgian. "I tweeted that a paracetamol was desperately needed afterwards, because I had a lot of headaches! We had to catch a flight right afterward. It was a terrible flight back to Belgium, to say the least. My girlfriend looked on in shame."

Thomas himself has recently gone viral after revealing he was drunk 12 out of 14 nights in Cardiff during the off-season. “I texted him about making all the headlines," de Plus laughs. "Mine wasn't that spectacular at all. I did a good mix of exercise, relaxation and the occasional drink, all within the limits of a normal person."

Looking forward de Plus is delighted to be continuing with the INEOS Grenadiers. "There is no better place for me as a driver than INEOS. I was very happy that the team wanted me to stay because that was my main preference," he explains.

And after watching the performances of his former teammate Sepp Kuss in 2023, de Plus, who has a similar role for INEOS has been inspired. "In my dreams I would like to do all three Grand Tours, because they are the best races on the calendar."