The Welsh veteran prepares for his 14th and final Tour as a top domestique for Carlos Rodríguez
When Geraint Thomas started his first Tour de France in 2007, Carlos Rodríguez, the captain he will support in 2025, was just six years old. Now, at 39, the Welshman is about to start his 14th and final Tour de France with the same determination as always.
In his impressive palmares at the Tour, Thomas boasts a yellow jersey, three podiums, three stage wins and has contributed to six overall victories for his team, supporting the successes of Chris Froome and Egan Bernal.
'At the time I had no idea what to expect, it was a whole new world. Now, on the 14th Tour, you know what to expect,' Thomas told the media. 'It's not easier, but I have a lot more experience. My role in the team has changed from a young British novice to a guide for my teammates. I'm still excited for this last Grand Tour.'
Despite his podium finish at last year’s Giro d’Italia, Thomas did not mention any personal ambitions for the overall classification, preferring instead to focus on supporting Rodríguez, aiming to improve on the Spaniard’s fifth-place finish from 2022.
'I would love to be competitive and aim for a stage, that would be fantastic,' added Thomas. 'But my main role will be to help Carlos in the mountains and share my experience with him, both outside and inside the race.'