In an exclusive sit-down that peeled back the layers of professional cycling's most intriguing dynamics, Geraint Thomas has revealed his burning ambition to conquer the Tour de France once more while offering remarkably candid insights into his relationships with British cycling icons Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish.
The Unfinished Business: Thomas's Tour de France Fire Still Burns
At 39, many athletes would be contemplating retirement, but Thomas's competitive fire burns as brightly as ever. "The hunger's definitely still there," the Welsh cycling star confessed, his eyes lighting up when discussing the prospect of another Tour de France campaign. "When that starting gun fires, something just clicks - you remember why you do this, why you put yourself through all that pain."
Thomas's preparation for the 2025 season shows a rider evolving with age rather than slowing down. He's adapted his training, become more strategic about recovery, and developed a deeper understanding of what his body needs to compete at the highest level. "You learn to train smarter, not just harder," he explained, revealing the wisdom that comes with experience in one of sport's most demanding disciplines.
Bradley Wiggins: The Complex Legacy of a Teammate and Rival
Perhaps the most revealing moments came when Thomas discussed his former teammate Bradley Wiggins. Their relationship, once the foundation of Team Sky's dominance, has evolved into something more nuanced over the years.
"Brad was... complicated," Thomas reflected carefully. "There was never any big falling out, no dramatic confrontation. It was more that we were just very different people with different approaches to the sport."
Thomas described the subtle tensions that can develop between elite athletes sharing the same team bus and the same ambitions. "When you're both fighting for leadership, there's always going to be an edge to things. We respected each other's talent, but we weren't going out for coffee together every day."
Mark Cavendish: Pure Respect for a Record-Breaking Legend
The conversation turned to Mark Cavendish, and here Thomas's tone shifted to one of pure admiration. "What Cav's done is just incredible," he said, genuine warmth in his voice. "To come back, to break that record after everything he's been through - that's the mark of a true champion."
Thomas highlighted the different pressures faced by sprinters versus general classification riders, acknowledging the unique challenges Cavendish has overcome throughout his storied career. "People don't always appreciate how hard it is to maintain that sprinting power year after year. What he's achieved is legendary, simple as that."
The Evolution of Professional Cycling
Looking beyond individual rivalries, Thomas offered fascinating insights into how professional cycling has transformed during his career. The sport has become more scientific, more data-driven, but Thomas believes the human element remains paramount.
"All the power data and nutrition plans in the world won't help if you don't have that mental toughness," he asserted. "When you're climbing Alpe d'Huez and your legs are screaming, it comes down to what's in here," he said, tapping his temple.
As our conversation drew to a close, Thomas looked ahead with the perspective of a veteran who knows his time in the peloton is finite but isn't ready to let go just yet. "I'll know when it's time," he said with a smile. "But right now, there are still mountains to climb and races to win."
