IRONMAN: Geraint Thomas' next challenge?
El Tour de Francia 2018 marked a before and after in the Welshman's career Geraint Thomas.
After being proclaimed winner and crowned as the first cyclist from Wales to achieve this, he has decided that his professional path in the bike will come to an end at the close of this season.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist wants to continue setting goals, and the distance Ironman is in his point of view.
The new adventure of Thomas It arouses curiosity among triathlon fans and, of course, among cycling fans.
This is a leap that many retired athletes make to stay active and not lose that competitive hunger. In his case, his experience on the road will allow him to handle the cycling segment comfortably, although he will have to put in maximum effort in swimming and, above all, in running.
Thought it was time we made it official. Yes, this will be my last year in the peloton 🤝 It's not been a bad run eh? Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being a pro for 19 years. There'll be lots of time to reflect but, before then, I've got some big races to prepare for 👀 pic.twitter.com/7HTOBuEnXx
- Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) February 17, 2025
A unique cycling legacy
Since 19 years ago, Geraint Thomas He competes professionally. He gained fame thanks to his victories on the track, where he won two Olympic gold medals in the team pursuit event. Later, he became a leading figure in road cycling with the INEOS Grenadiers team.
With podiums in such demanding events as the Giro d'Italia and outstanding performances in the classics and grand tours, Thomas He has closed almost all the chapters that an elite cyclist hopes to live. Now, at the end of his career, he sees triathlon as an interesting challenge.
The Ironman: a test that requires a different mindset
Completing an Ironman requires training in three disciplines, but running is often the one that causes the most headaches for converted cyclists.
geraint He has admitted that he only runs “two or three times a year”, so he will have to dedicate time to his adaptation in order not to suffer in the last kilometres of the marathon.
Swimming will also be a key section. The objective is to hone the technique in open water and be able to complete the distance with confidence.
His motivation is to stay active and avoid getting bored after so many years of relentless competition. For an athlete used to setting goals, the Ironman is a perfect challenge.
Advice and support within the team
Triathlon is no stranger to INEOS cyclists. In fact, their teammate cam wurf He alternates both disciplines and has already achieved a top 10 finish at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.
That experience can be valuable for Thomas, who will surely consult with Wurf to refine details of his future training.
There are also other athletes who have changed sports with great success.
An example is the former German footballer Andre Schurrle, who has participated in long-distance triathlon events.
A possible goodbye in Cardiff
El calendar of racing Thomas In his last year as a professional he includes the Tour de Francia 2025, where he will be part of the support team.
But all the spotlights point to the tour of britain in September, which could close in Cardiff, the cyclist's hometown.
geraint He has said how exciting it would be to say goodbye at home. From that moment on, a new chapter would open where triathlon would take centre stage. The idea of a local triathlon as a prelude to an IRONMAN event, perhaps in his beloved Cardiff, has not been ruled out.
With our eyes set on that horizon, Geraint Thomas prepares to take a leap beyond two wheels.
Time will tell how he adapts to the three disciplines, but he has more than enough motivation and competitive experience to face any challenge.
