Geraint Thomas

Rider Profile

Few riders in the peloton possess the all-round ability of Geraint Thomas. As prolific in a time trial as he is on the climbs, the Welshman can also count himself as one of the best Classics riders in the world.

Since turning pro in 2007 Thomas has developed with every passing season. With two Olympic gold medals under his belt on the track, a full switch to the road has paid dividends with a string of impressive results - including two overall victories at Bayern Rundfahrt and a host of WorldTour stage wins.

2014 saw him add a Commonwealth Games road race title to his name, and last season he took the Volta ao Algarve title before winning E3 Harelbeke in stunning style. A stellar Tour de France campaign boosted his profile even further, and 2016 looks set to be another exciting season for the man they call 'G'.

Q&A

Who inspired you to start cycling?

No one in particular. I joined a kids club and immediately loved it.

First bike:

A blue Giant.

First cycling club:

Maindy Flyers

Childhood hero:

As a child I always wanted Jan Ullrich to win the Tour.

Funniest team-mate:

Brad with his impressions but I laugh with Swifty the most.

What do you love most about cycling?

The freedom. You can go anywhere and I enjoy the feeling after a good training ride.

What has cycling taught you?

To be organised and disciplined.

Previous teams:

2006 Recycling.co.uk; 2007-09 Barloworld

Favourite race:

The Tour of Flanders

Career highlight:

Winning gold and breaking world records at the London Olympics.

If you weren't a rider, what would you be?

I’d have gone to university and done something science-oriented.

Interests away from cycling:

I like watching Cardiff City and Arsenal at football, and Wales at rugby.

Favourite film:

Braveheart

Favourite music:

Eminem

Best friend in the peloton:

Ben Swift, Ian Stannard and Edvald Boasson Hagen at Team Sky, and also Steve Cummings.

Favourite food:

Pizza with a glass of wine, finished off with gelato.

Most famous person you've met:

The Queen

Most embarrassing moment:

It was at the Vuelta a Burgos when I overtook my breakaway rival on a descent and then crashed in the very next corner.

Best advice:

You have to enjoy cycling and then have the dedication and discipline to excel.

Career Highlights

2004

Junior Paris-Roubaix - 1st

2006

Flèche du Sud - 1st overall

2007

World Track Championships - Gold team pursuit

2008

Olympic Games - Gold, team pursuit; World Track Championships - Gold team pursuit

2010

British National Road Race Championships - 1st; Tour de France - 2nd stage three, spell in white jersey

2011

Bayern-Rundfahrt - 1st overall

2012

Olympic Games - Gold, team pursuit; World Track Championships - Gold team pursuit; Tour de Romandie - 1st prologue

2013

Tour Down Under - 1st points classification and one stage win; Bayern Rundfahrt - 2nd overall

2014

E3 Prijs Vlaanderen - 3rd; Bayern Rundfahrt - 1st overall and one stage win (TT); Commonwealth Games - Gold road race

2015

Volta ao Algarve - 1st overall and one stage win; E3 Harelbeke - 1st; Ghent-Wevelgem - 3rd; Tour de Suisse - 2nd overall