Former Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas will play a supporting role for his teammate Carlos Rodriguez in this year’s race, which kicks off between Florence and Rimini in Italy and ends in Nice on July 21. Despite being the winner of the race in 2018 and achieving two podium finishes in subsequent years, Thomas understands that he will not be the primary focus for Ineos this time around. On his ‘Watts Occurring’ podcast, Thomas shared that his main responsibilities will revolve around assisting Rodriguez. “I’ll be there to help Carlos,” he explained. “I think he’s all guns blazing for this. And [I’ll] just look for a stage at some point, but mainly there for the team.”
While Thomas acknowledges that he will prioritize aiding his teammate, he also plans to maintain competitiveness throughout the race. Despite not being part of Team GB for the upcoming Olympics in Paris, Thomas remains committed to his cycling career with Ineos, looking ahead to the next season. At 38 years old, Thomas demonstrates that he still possesses the endurance and skill to compete at a high level, evident from his third-place finish at the Giro D’Italia earlier in the year. Although the expectations may not be as lofty as they were six years ago when he claimed victory, Thomas remains optimistic about potentially securing a stage win at the Tour.
With the support of standout riders like Laurens De Plus, Egan Bernal, and Tom Pidcock, Thomas recognizes the depth and strength of the Ineos team at this year’s Tour de France. While he views the competition as a challenge, he also sees it as an opportunity to test his capabilities and make an impact on the race. Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the Tour, Thomas emphasizes the importance of staying flexible and adapting to the circumstances as the race unfolds. He remains hopeful that a strong start will set the tone for a successful campaign, with the ultimate goal of contributing to his team’s overall performance.
As the official streaming platform for the Tour de France this summer, discovery+ will provide live coverage of the event from June 29 to July 21. Cycling enthusiasts and fans of the sport can tune in to witness the thrilling action and drama as riders like Geraint Thomas and his teammates take on the challenging terrain and fierce competition. With a mix of experienced champions and up-and-coming talents, the Tour promises to be a captivating spectacle for viewers around the world.
In conclusion, Geraint Thomas’s role at this year’s Tour de France may differ from his previous experiences as a champion, but his dedication to the sport and commitment to his team remain unwavering. As he prepares to support his teammate Carlos Rodriguez and pursue his own ambitions on the road to Nice, Thomas exemplifies the perseverance and resilience that define elite cyclists. With the support of a talented team and the backing of fans watching on discovery+, Thomas is poised to make his mark on the race and showcase his enduring passion for cycling.
