Geraint Thomas returns to where it all began in his final season: "I've always enjoyed it here"

Cycling
Thursday, 28 November 2024 at 16:21
geraint thomas

He rode powerfully and fast when he finished third in the Giro, but afterward rode anonymously around the Tour de France. 2024 was normally the last year Geraint Thomas focused on the grand tours. 2025 will be his farewell year, and the 38-year-old Brit from INEOS Grenadiers wants to switch things up next season. He has now announced the schedule for his farewell tour: he will start his year in Australia.

The  Tour Down Under organization announced this on Wednesday. It is logical, considering Thomas wants to put everything on the spring classics again in 2025. The Welshman broke through in cycling there in his 20s before focusing on tour work in his 30s. Now, he wants to return to where cycling began for him.

Read more below the photo.

<i>It is unlikely we will see Thomas back as a podium finisher in the Giro</i>
It is unlikely we will see Thomas back as a podium finisher in the Giro

Thomas on tenth participation in Tour Down Under: "Always enjoyed it"

"I have always loved coming to South Australia and enjoying the warm reception from fans," Thomas said. "The chance to kick start the season in an event I'm now familiar with is a great bonus," said the man heading for his 10th participation, almost all of them he did in the first stage of his career. He finished third in 2013, winning a stage then. Perhaps that's where the young Thomas got his first taste of GCs.

Course director Stuart O'Grady is pleased that Thomas will be on the start list. "We know there will be plenty of fans keen for another glimpse of the star rider, and we are confident he'll put in a strong performance." Needless to say, the Tour Down Under is again the first real mark on the calendar. We still have to wait one month and a half; the start is scheduled for January 18.

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