Geraint Thomas Ready To Ride His 13th Tour de France

By Ian Gordon

Geraint Thomas is relishing the chance to ‘mix it up’ when he embarks on his 13th Tour de France on Saturday.

The 2018 Yellow Jersey winner goes in to the world’s greatest cycle race having finished third on the Giro d’Italia a few weeks ago.

Thomas will be one of the support riders for INEOs Grenadiers co-leaders Carlos Rodríguez and Egan Bernal – and is hoping the reduced pressure will give him more freedom on the roads.

 

“Can’t quite believe I am starting my 13th Tour de France – let’s hope it’s a lucky one,” said the 38-year-old ahead of the start in Florence, Italy.

Well, we made it to Rome A fifth Grand Tour podium and one of my proudest. Of course we came here to win, but sometimes you have to hold up your hands to greatness. It’s an honour to race against Tadej. Chapeau mate, and chapeau Dani #Giro #grazie pic.twitter.com/hzdCSglf2M

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) May 27, 2024

“The competition is tougher than ever, but nothing is a given in Grand Tour cycling. We have been racing this season as the hunters not the hunted and that brings its own advantages. The Giro last month was a perfect example of how we love to race as a team – putting the pressure on, fighting for every opportunity, and taking chances, and it is how we plan to race in France over the coming weeks.

“After a strong and consistent season, Carlos will be leading the INEOS Grenadiers’ charge across France. Carlos has continued to impress us with his racing as well as his professionalism and attitude on and off the bike. Right beside him will be the strength and Tour experience of Egan, with Tom and Geraint providing support but also looking to race aggressively, disrupt and take the race to our competition.

INEOS Grenadiers line-up:

Egan Bernal (27), Colombia – the 2019 Tour de France winner will be racing his fifth Tour de France this year after a run of strong performances including an impressive podium in Catalunya.

Jonathan Castroviejo (37), Spain – the versatile and ever-reliable climber and six-time national time trial champion will be starting his 10th Tour de France after a consistently strong 2024 season.

Laurens De Plus (28), Belgium – the strong climber and stage racer starts his second Tour de France after a successful lead-in that includes an impressive fifth place finish at the Critérium du Dauphiné.

Michal Kwiatkowski (34), Poland – the former World Champion is one of the most experienced riders in the peloton. As a double Tour de France stage winner, Kwiato lines up for his 10th Tour de France in 2024.

Tom Pidcock (24), Great Britain – the multi-discipline rider and 2022 Tour de France stage winner is tackling his third Tour de France this year after a season that has seen him win Amstel Gold, demonstrate strong form in stage races and achieve mountain bike success.

Carlos Rodriguez (23), Spain – co-leader for his second Tour de France following a breakthrough stage win and fifth place overall in 2023, the young Spaniard has been riding into form throughout the 2024 season, winning the Tour de Romandie and the final stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné.

Geraint Thomas (38), Great Britain – G, with 12 Tour de France starts for the team including his 2018 victory, second in 2019 and third in 2022, starts his 13th edition of the Tour off the back of a hard-earned podium place at the Giro d’Italia.

Ben Turner (25), Great Britain – the popular and super-strong Brit lines up for his second Tour de France after an impressive season focussed on the Classics.