Geraint Thomas to join Ineos management after final race

Geraint Thomas has been in talks to remain at Team Ineos in a senior management role as he prepares to end his racing career.

The 39-year-old Welshman, who won the 2018 Tour de France, will cross the finish line for the final time on 7 September when the Tour of Britain concludes in Cardiff.

Thomas joined Team Sky in 2010 and over the next decade contributed to seven Tour de France victories, plus wins at the Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia. The team, now known as Ineos, has not claimed a Grand Tour title in four years.

Sir Dave Brailsford, who recently reduced his role at Manchester United, has returned to the fold at Team Ineos.

"Obviously Dave Brailsford is now back with the team," said Thomas. "He's key to our success and I want to work closely with him and learn from his experience on the management side."

Rather than a sporting director role, Thomas is being considered for Ineos’ top management structure. "I have deep knowledge of performance and training, but I also want to learn the management side of the business," he added.

The Cardiff-born rider plans to balance a part-time role in professional cycling with grassroots development. "It ticks both boxes, giving me focus and drive while helping get kids active and excited about riding their bikes," he told INLIBER Radio Wales.

Thomas will return to live in Cardiff and visit the Maindy velodrome, where he first learned to race. "Growing up so close to Maindy shaped my career and my life. I want to spread that joy and get more people on their bikes," he said.

Farewell on home roads

The six-day Tour of Britain starts in Suffolk on 2 September and ends with two stages in Wales. The final stage in Newport and Cardiff provides the perfect backdrop for the finale of Wales’ most successful cyclist.

"I'm looking forward to it, although it will be emotional. Racing has been my life for 19 years, so waking up on Monday without a target will feel strange," he said.

With ten stage wins, three World Championship titles, Olympic gold medals and a Commonwealth Games gold to his name, Thomas will race his last 886 km over six days.

"I feel lucky to end my career on my own terms, especially with the final stage finishing in Cardiff. They even plan an event at Cardiff Castle to thank the fans," he added.

In 2018, thousands lined the streets of Cardiff to celebrate his Tour de France victory. "That homecoming was the highlight off the bike. It showed me how much support there is," he said.

Next week’s scenes will be similar, but once the crowds disperse Thomas plans to spend time with his wife Sara and son Macs. A family ski holiday, long off-limits during his career, is already booked.

"There will probably be a few tears. I used to tease Sara about crying at our wedding, but I was the one in tears! In 2018 I never thought about the end until the final time trial, and suddenly I was crying on live TV. I suspect Sunday could be the same," he admitted.

Thomas will shift from cycling star to team manager, aiming to bring past Grand Tour glory back to Ineos while nurturing the next generation of riders from his Cardiff base.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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