From Velodrome Novice to Cycling Royalty

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Geraint Thomas' journey from Cardiff poolside spectator to two-time Olympic champion and Tour de France winner remains one of cycling's most remarkable transformations. Over 21 seasons, the Welshman redefined versatility in modern cycling.

Junior Paris-Roubaix, 2004

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The 18-year-old's brutal initiation into cycling's 'Hell of the North' showcased his trademark resilience. Victory in this junior classic - raced on the same bone-shaking cobbles as the professional event - foreshadowed Thomas' future mastery of cycling's most demanding terrains.

Tour de France, 2007

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Thomas' Tour debut at 21 began a record-breaking relationship with La Grande Boucle. His 18-year span between first (2007) and final (2025) Tour participation remains unmatched, featuring everything from dead-last finishes to yellow jersey glory.

Beijing 2008 Team Pursuit Gold

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As part of Britain's world record-breaking quartet, Thomas claimed his first Olympic title. This victory cemented track cycling's 'Secret Squirrel Club' as a medal-winning machine while establishing Thomas as Britain's new cycling polymath.

2011 World Championships Lead-Out

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Thomas' selfless 60km lead-out for Mark Cavendish in Copenhagen demonstrated his tactical genius. The Welsh locomotive's sustained 65km/h effort remains one of road cycling's greatest team performances.

2015 E3 Harelbeke Triumph

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Thomas' cobbled classic victory over Peter Sagan announced his arrival as a complete rider. This tactical masterclass in Belgium's Flemish Ardennes proved crucial preparation for his future Grand Tour successes.

2018 Tour de France Victory

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Thomas' Alpe d'Huez conquest in yellow (complete with podium mic drop) became an instant Tour classic. His Welsh dragon-emblazoned skinsuit on the Champs-Élysées symbolized Britain's new cycling golden age.

2023 Giro d'Italia Heartbreak

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The 37-year-old's dramatic final Grand Tour podium saw Primoz Roglic snatch victory by 14 seconds after a career-defining time trial. Thomas' gracious defeat speech enhanced his reputation as cycling's ultimate sportsman.

2025 Tour of Britain Farewell

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Cardiff's emotional homecoming parade saw 250,000 fans celebrate Thomas' 21-year career. The 39-year-old's final ascent of Caerphilly Mountain mirrored his first childhood rides, completing cycling's most poetic career arc.

Legacy of a Modern Icon

Thomas retires as Britain's most decorated cyclist:

• Only rider to win Olympic track gold and Tour de France
• 3 Grand Tour podiums after age 36
• 84 professional victories across 6 disciplines His story - from Maindy Velodrome to global fame - continues inspiring Wales' next cycling generation.