Thomas Setting His Sights On Grand Tour Triumph

Geraint Thomas is set to target next year’s Giro d’Italia or Vuelta a Espana as he looks to win a Grand Tour.

The Cardiff-born ace has just agreed a new two-year deal that will keep him at Team Sky until 2018.

Thomas will support Chris Froome on this year’s Tour de France when his team-mate defends the Yellow Jersey – as he did in 2013 and last year.

But with his career now increasingly focussed on stage races after his victories at this year’s Volta ao Algarve and Paris-Nice, then one of the two other Grand Tours are in his sights.

The 29-year-old said: “I’m still learning. I’ve only really just started when it comes to trying to win stage races.

“I’m learning all the time about how to get in the best shape for them and how to lead a team.

“It seems to be working really well, so signing again was an easy decision.

“Obviously I’ve been given a free hand to lead the team and get results in the week-long stage races this year, so next year perhaps the Giro or the Vuelta would be good to target.

“Winning Paris-Nice this year, especially with the calibre of that field, was a massive boost to my confidence. It makes you realise that all the hard work you are putting in is paying off.

“We’ve talked about my ambitions for the future. I want to take the stage racing as far as I can, keep improving and target some of the big races.”

Thomas has bagged two Olympic titles with his Team Pursuit victories in Beijing and London four years ago but it’s the road where his future now lies.

The Monaco-based flier, talking to his team’s website, added: “With the years I spent on the track, it feels like I’ve got a few extra years in the bank when it comes to my road career.

“Riding on the track is hard, for sure, but the actual workload – day in day out – isn’t as tough as it is on the road.

“After London 2012 I really committed to the road and it feels like I have improved year on year. It all feels like it’s working well.”