"This is definitely my last contract now, but I've thought that for a while" - Geraint Thomas to extend career into 39 years of age with INEOS Grenadiers

Geraint Thomas had hinted over the past few months that he was likely to postpone his retirement. After a brilliant run in the 2022 and 2023 Grand Tours, the Welshman continues to ride at his best level, and he has renewed with INEOS Grenadiers for two more seasons.

"I still love riding my bike, training, racing, all of it... Other than trying to lose weight and being on weight that's the worst bit," Thomas jokes in a video shared by the British team. "Family is super happy to extend, in my head it's like yeah this is definitely my last contract now, but I've thought that for a while, so never say never. Two more big years, really looking forward to it, hope to help the team sort of progress now. Lot of the guys I get on really well with, I've got childhood mates in Luke [Rowe] and Swifty (Ben Swift, ed.), and [Ian] Stannard in management.

Thomas battled for the Giro d'Italia win this spring and he is happy with the British team. Besides continuing to be a leader, he has over the past years also ridden in support of several other team leaders, and could continue to do the same. The team struggle to keep up with UAE Team Emirates and Jumbo-Visma when it comes to the mountains, but the veteran could be key to support the likes of Carlos Rodríguez who may be the team's next big bet for the three weeks.

"I love it here, everything's going well at the moment so it's just like yeah another couple years and enjoy it. Maybe I can go for the classics again, or go for the GC in Grand Tours, or help whoever's gonna be the next guy coming through," he explains. "I think just have a positive impact on the team. I'm at that stage where I'm still hungry to perform, but I'm also happy to help the team, push the form and get back to the top of the sport.