Ineos Grenadiers Renew Geraint Thomas’ Contract for Two More Years

News

Geraint Thomas Pens New Deal at Ineos Grenadiers

Geraint Thomas will remain at British WorldTour team Ineos Grenadiers for another two years after reaching an agreement to extend his contract on Monday.

The Welshman, who famously clinched the Tour de France title back in 2018, had a difficult end to the year having dislocated his shoulder in this year’s iteration in stage three, but he started the 2021 Tour as one of the team’s four leaders after winning the Tour de Romandie and placing third at the Critérium du Dauphiné.

The now 35-year-old has been with the team since its inception as Team Sky back in 2010 and is the only rider in the roster to hold that record,  but alongside fellow Grand Tour winners at Ineos Egan Bernal, Richard Carapaz and Tao Geoghegan Hart, as well as up and coming youngsters in Tom Pidcock and Ethan Hayter, the team stand a very good chance of reclaiming their previous monopoly over the circuit in 2022.

 

Thomas
Image Credits: Justin Setterfield

 

After a period of utter dominance between 2012 and 2019 where the team won seven out of a possible eight Tours, Ineos’ streak has been halted by Tadej Pogačar’s emergence with back-to-back victories, as well as Primož Roglič’s Jumbo-Visma squad.

Speaking after the announcement, Thomas said; “Obviously I had a tough end to 2021 but up until the crash at the Tour, I was in the best shape I’d been. I’m still very motivated to perform in the biggest races.

“I’ll probably look at doing the Ardennes, which I’ve never done properly. That’s exciting and new, and hopefully then go on the Tour to play a big role there.

“I’m super excited about the last few years of my career with the team. It’s going to be fun – that’s the main thing.

“People keep asking me what my role will be and obviously I want to keep winning myself, but being a part of a winning team and having fun with some of my best mates is as important – and to do that I’ll need to be at my best.”

“The team has evolved a lot over the past 12 years. The vibe in Mallorca camp compared to recent years feels different with lots of young, new guys and fresh faces.

“Everyone is excited about going forwards as a team, closer together. I want to play a key role in that.”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3FeqU4tsho

 

In what will be his 16th year as a professional rider, Thomas will be hoping to bow out in style as he enters into the twilight of his career.

Ineos Grenadiers Deputy Team Prinicipal Rod Eliingworth said: “G (Geraint) has been with us since the start. He’s won the biggest races, mentored younger riders, been a brilliant ambassador for the sport and, throughout, helped to inspire countless people to get on their bikes.
“We know – and he knows – that there is still more to come. He is hungry for more success at the highest level. Next season is going to be a real fight. The competition is stronger than ever. We are going all in as a team and G is going to be a big part of that for us.”

 

 

Share this article

Useful

Recommended

Latest

News

BIKE Magazine March 2024

Welcome to the BIKE Magazine March 2024 issue To read online click here. To order printed delivery to UK, USA, or Europe click here.…
BIKE Magazine March 2024 Cover