Geraint Thomas Announces Farewell at Lloyds Tour of Britain, A Bright Future for British Cycling
It’s the end of an era. Geraint Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France winner, is set to make his final professional road race appearance at this year’s Lloyds Tour of Britain.
But rather than reflecting on what’s being left behind, the Welsh cycling legend is turning his attention to what’s next, for British cycling and for himself.
After a decorated career that spanned over three decades, Thomas is hanging up his racing boots.
The Cardiff native, who joined the ranks of British cycling greats like Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, has decided it’s the perfect time to call it quits.
“It feels like the right time,” Thomas admitted when asked about his retirement. “It’s obviously going to be emotional come the end in Cardiff.
I’ve obviously been aware of it for a long time, but I’ll be emotional when I cross that line and know that it’s all done, and see my family and friends all there.
To finish my career when I want is rare for an athlete, so to be able to do that on home roads and into Cardiff, I feel really lucky.
As @GeraintThomas86 nears the end of his last pro race this weekend, there’s not long to go in G’s Final Race Raffle!
Among the incredible prizes on offer is a signed KASK Elemento helmet in the INEOS livery, signed by G!
Be in the draw for just £5➡️https://t.co/xXiHHY7FdM pic.twitter.com/1S0YkN721E
— Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust (@GTCyclingTrust) September 5, 2025
I’ve just got to get there first, but the atmosphere should get me through. Personally, I just want to enjoy it and make the most of having one last race at home.”
His final ride comes as the 2025 edition marks his tenth participation in the event. Fans have flocked to meet him, autograph books in hand, phones at the ready.
Outside the INEOS Grenadiers team bus, Thomas has become the centre of attention, smiling, posing, and sharing his time generously with supporters. He’s been all over the race, from the stage openings to casual meet-and-greets.
“It’s racing, but I’ve also been enjoying it and doing the whole fan thing because I feel like it’s going to be the last time that I do it. Stage one was weird.
When we started the race, it was a bit of a whirlwind before with all the flight saga. I came here, and the new bike was a big surprise, and obviously the new kit.
All the fans were there, and suddenly I realised that I had 160km of racing to do, but I’ve been enjoying it because soon people won’t be asking for selfies and autographs,” he said.
The atmosphere surrounding Thomas’s farewell has been electric. Indeed, a delayed flight into the UK couldn’t dampen the excitement.
His platoon ate him with a custom-painted Pinarello bike and an ocean of enthusiastic suckers, a touching gesture to a rider whose career has left a lasting mark on British cycling.
Though Thomas’s road racing career is coming to a close, his eyes are forcefully set on what’s coming. He’s quick to praise the fresh surge of gift entering the sport, confident that the future is in able hands.
“It definitely feels like that. Especially with the likes of Oscar Onley in the group as well.
There’s Joe Blackmore, Matt Brennan, all these guys, and the future is definitely bright for British cycling as well.
I try and do my bit with the team here because Sam definitely has a good chance of winning something,” Thomas remarked.
Young talents like Matt Brennan and Sam Watson have already been turning heads, while Oscar Onley and others are poised to challenge for glory in the general classification.
Their performances on the road are proof that the next generation is ready to carry forward the torch.
Sam Watson, one of the rising stars and Thomas’s teammate, shared the impact the veteran rider has had on his development: “He was a massive influence growing up.
All the British guys, the likes of G, Bradley Wiggins, Froome, Cav, all these guys were on TV and were inspiring. So it’s special being in the race with G now.
You learn from him and by watching what he’s doing. He’s great to be around, and how he guides the team through races even though he’s 39 years old is really inspiring.”
As Thomas gears up for his final race in Cardiff, he’s embracing the moment. No grand speeches. No bloated theatrics. Just gratefulness, for suckers, for teammates, and for the sport that’s defined his life.
The curtain is falling, but the show isn’t over. British cycling’s coming chapter is unfolding, and if Thomas’s words are anything to go by, the future isn’t only promising, it’s a circus.
