Life as a cyclist is relentless, so after nearly 20 years of looking forward, eyes fixed on the path ahead, Geraint Thomas has not had much time to ponder the past.
Things are different now, though. This season will be Thomas’ last of a glittering career that has seen him secure two Olympic gold medals, three World Championship victories, numerous road events, and the sport’s most prestigious prize of all, the Tour de France.
A sport this demanding does not allow its competitors the luxury of turning an entire season into a celebratory lap of honour, but as the conclusion comes into sight, Thomas is more thoughtful than usual.
“Since I was a child, I dreamt of competing in the Tour and being part of the Olympics, and winning was obviously a fantasy as well, but to realise that was just unbelievable,” he tells BBC Breakfast.
“I think now the choice is official, you do start to reminisce because when you’re in it, it’s just one challenge after the next, year after year, so you don’t really value it. I guess at the time you enjoy it, but I don’t think you pause and appreciate it, so there will be a bit of that this year.”
This has been something of a long farewell for Thomas, who indicated he would step away at the end of this year when he signed his most recent Ineos Grenadiers deal in 2023.
Far from slowing down, however, the Welshman has been re-energized in the final phase of his career, with last year’s third-place finish at the Giro d’Italia securing a Grand Tour podium spot for a third consecutive season.
This summer, the 38-year-old will focus on the Tour de France, where he will play a supporting role for the squad and “maybe try to claim a stage but just savour the competition” that he conquered in 2018.
“Beijing was huge, my first Olympics and clinching gold there,” says Thomas. “But the Tour is what transformed my life, being recognized all over the world.
“I was in Alcatraz, and some guy recognized me. I think that’s when you know it went up a notch.
“The yellow jersey is legendary. You go anywhere in the globe, and people will know the yellow jersey, how it symbolizes cycling and its legacy. So to be a part of that story and to triumph, I just can’t believe it.”
Considering how competitive Thomas still is at the highest level, you would be forgiven for questioning why he is calling it a day.
“This is my 19th year as a professional, and I didn’t want to do one year too many and be the grumpy guy in the group,” he clarifies.
“I’m still really loving it, I still feel capable, and the last year has been great, but I think the moment is right. With my loved ones, I’m looking forward to relocating back to Cardiff.
“There’s aspects I think I’ll miss—the racing, being here in Monaco—but it will be wonderful just to be around more and to embrace a new opportunity.”
Thomas has not yet determined what that new venture will be, but he will have plenty of options.
There is a possibility he could remain with Ineos Grenadiers in a new role, while there will be no shortage of chances to work in the media.
“Having choices is always beneficial,” Thomas says. “I need a sense of purpose. Since I was about 17 or 18, I’ve always been striving toward a target.
“To not be pursuing anything would be nice for maybe a month, then I’ll just go stir-crazy, so I’ll definitely have to have some objectives.
“I want to do an Ironman. I only jog two or three times a year, so that’s something that requires a bit of training! It’s about pushing myself in different ways.”
A future as a triathlete can wait. Once he retires, what Thomas is most excited about is spending more time with family and companions, particularly his wife Sara and five-year-old son Macs.
“That’s the biggest thing, just being around more and not missing events—birthdays, weddings, celebrations, or anything,” he adds. “I’m looking forward to that aspect of things.”
Retirement is also bound to bring with it numerous offers to feature on reality TV, although Thomas has been advised against Strictly Come Dancing.
“I reckon the stamina would be the only thing I’ve got. I wouldn’t rate myself. Although my in-laws tell me ‘please don’t do it, you’ll make a spectacle of yourself,’ and that makes me tempted to do it,” he laughs.
“That would be the toughest challenge of my life for sure. Maybe I’ve got the moves for it.”
Having completed the 2013 Tour de France despite fracturing his pelvis during the opening stage of the three-week competition, Thomas has proven that he is ready to test that specific area of his body.
In fact, there are few parts of Thomas’ physique that have not been battered or wounded at some point over the course of his journey, and his resilience has earned him the admiration of his colleagues as well as cycling enthusiasts around the world.
Once he has completed his final Tour de France and one last summer on the circuit, Thomas intends to bring the curtain down on his career at the Tour of Britain in September.
The route has not yet been confirmed, but the closing stage could be held in Cardiff, the city where Thomas was raised and where he will settle after retirement.
“It would be incredible if that happens. I haven’t really considered it much, but when I do start thinking about it, it’s going to be emotional. Maybe I’ll shed a tear or two,” Thomas reflects.
“It would be some way to end—whether it’s Cardiff or somewhere else, the Tour of Britain as the final race. It’s full circle, isn’t it? Concluding my journey back home.”
