"Sometimes you have to hold up your hands to greatness" - Geraint Thomas full of praise for Tadej Pogacar as he reflects on 2024 Giro d'Italia

At the age of 38, Geraint Thomas extended his Giro d'Italia record as the oldest rider ever to finish on the podium in the long history of the Italian Grand Tour with his 3rd placed finish at the 2024 edition.

After having a night of celebration to soak in everything that happened over the last three weeks, the INEOS Grenadiers leader took to his official Instagram account to reflect on the 20th Grand Tour of his career. "Well, we made it to Rome," the vastly experienced Welshman begins of his recap. "A fifth Grand Tour podium and one of my proudest."

"Of course we came here to win, but sometimes you have to hold up your hands to greatness. It’s an honour to race against Tadej Pogacar," continues Thomas, who eventually finished 10:24 down on the Maglia Rosa and 28 seconds down on second place, claimed by his former INEOS Grenadiers teammate, Daniel Martinez. "Chapeau mate, and chapeau Dani."

Last year, Thomas wore the Maglia Rosa for the majority of the 2023 Giro d'Italia before eventually having to watch Primoz Roglic secure overall victory by just 14 seconds after a stunning performance in the final, stage 20 individual time-trial on the brutal slopes of Monte Lussari.

"Thanks to Sa and Macs for another year of sacrifices, and for being my biggest supporters. Thanks to all the boys for their faultless support on the road, and the whole team behind us off it. And thanks to all of you following along from home. It means the world," concludes Thomas who won't be able to celebrate for too long with the 2018 Tour de France winner set to return to the race next month although not in a general classification challenging role. "Time for a few beers… and nobody mention the Tour."