Geraint Thomas counting down the days after another grueling stage: "Can’t wait for the Tour to be over"

Thomas announced earlier this year that 2025 will be his last year as a professional cyclist, and he is now counting down the days until his retirement. At the top of Ventoux, he said with a smile: "I'm glad I don't have to ride Mont Ventoux anymore. The crowd was amazing, with people standing in rows for the entire 15 kilometers and cheering loudly. I definitely enjoyed it one last time."

However, there is a big 'but' in the air: "I can't wait for the Tour to be over. I'll keep trying, but I'm feeling my age at the moment, even though I still look young. It's hard work, especially in the peloton, which has gotten stronger," he said. "The whole peloton is in better shape than it used to be. So many guys ride hard and keep attacking; they just keep going."

Read more below the photo.

Thomas has observed this trend in recent years, but in the current Tour de France, it's faster than ever, with a new record set every day. With speeds of 50 kilometers per hour and often even higher in the opening hours, it's hard work for Thomas. “Hats off to them, and if they have the legs for it, why not? I wouldn't attack as much if I could still do so. The peloton has become much stronger across the board in recent years.”

The now 39-year-old Thomas will continue his farewell tour after the Tour de France, with the Tour of Germany, before competing in the Tour of Britain. No other races are planned yet, so perhaps it will all be over after August. Thomas will certainly be able to look back with satisfaction on his career, which includes winning the Tour de France in 2018, finishing second in the Giro d'Italia in 2023, and third in 2024. He also finished on the podium in the Tour in 2019 (second place) and 2022 (third place).