Geraint Thomas facts for kids
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Thomas at the 2018 Deutschland Tour
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Geraint Howell Thomas | ||
| Nickname | G | ||
| Born | 25 May 1986 Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom |
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| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Weight | 71 kg (157 lb; 11 st 3 lb) | ||
| Team information | |||
| Current team | Ineos Grenadiers | ||
| Role | Rider | ||
| Rider type | All-rounder (road) Time trialist Climber Pursuiter (track) |
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| Major wins | |||
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Geraint Howell Thomas is a famous Welsh professional cyclist. He was born on May 25, 1986. Geraint is special because he's been super successful in both track cycling (racing on a special indoor track called a velodrome) and road cycling (racing on regular roads).
He won three World Championships and two Olympic gold medals in track cycling. On the road, he made history by winning the 2018 Tour de France. He was the first Welshman and third British rider to ever win this huge race!
Geraint started his career focusing on track cycling. He was really good at the team pursuit, where teams of cyclists race against each other. He won many big races, including the Commonwealth Games road race and the 2015 E3 Harelbeke. He also won important week-long races like Paris–Nice and the 2018 Critérium du Dauphiné.
In the biggest road races, called Grand Tours, Geraint often helped his teammate Chris Froome win. But in 2018, he became the leader himself and won the Tour de France. He wore the famous yellow jersey for many stages. He also won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award that same year. In 2019, he finished second in the Tour de France. He also got on the podium (top three) in the 2022 Tour de France and the 2023 Giro d'Italia and 2024 Giro d'Italia.
Geraint is known for being a great all-around rider. He's good at individual time trials, racing on bumpy cobblestone roads, and climbing mountains. He was the first rider in Tour de France history to win a stage on the famous Alpe d'Huez climb while wearing the yellow jersey.
Contents
Early Life and First Races
Geraint Thomas grew up in Cardiff, Wales. He started cycling when he was 10 years old with the Maindy Flyers Cycling Club. He rode with his future teammate Luke Rowe there. Later, he joined other local clubs.
He had success in races for younger riders, even winning some National Championships. His first big win was a silver medal in the points race at the 2004 European Track Championships.
Becoming a Professional Cyclist
Starting Out (2005–2006)
Geraint joined British Cycling's Olympic Academy. In 2005, he had a serious accident while training in Australia. A piece of metal flew into his wheel, causing him to crash. He had to have his spleen removed because of the injury.
He raced for different teams in 2006, including the Great Britain squad.
First Tour de France (2007)
In 2007, Geraint raced in his first Tour de France. He was the youngest rider in the race! He was the first Welsh rider to compete in the Tour since 1967. He finished the race, which was a big achievement.
Olympic Gold Medal (2008)
Geraint didn't race the Tour de France in 2008. Instead, he focused on the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He was part of the British team pursuit squad.
On August 17, his team broke the world record in the heats. The next day, they broke their own world record again and won the gold medal! They beat their Danish rivals by a lot. Geraint was very happy to win an Olympic gold.
He was later given an award called the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2009.
Joining Team Sky (2010)
In 2010, Geraint joined a new British team called Team Sky. He started the year well, helping his team win a team time trial in the Tour of Qatar.
He also did well in the 2010 Critérium du Dauphiné, finishing in the top ten in several stages. This helped him lead the green jersey competition for a few days.
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Geraint won the 2010 British National Road Race Championships. He then had a great 2010 Tour de France. He finished second on one stage and wore the white jersey, which is for the best young rider. He finished 67th overall.
He was supposed to race in the 2010 Commonwealth Games but decided not to go due to health concerns. This was especially important because he had his spleen removed.
Strong Performances (2011)
In 2011, Geraint showed he was strong in the "classics" races. He finished tenth in the 2011 Tour of Flanders. He also won his first professional race, the five-day 2011 Bayern Rundfahrt in Germany.
At the 2011 Tour de France, he wore the white jersey again for the first week. He also won an award for being the most aggressive rider on one stage. He finished 31st overall in the Tour.
Another Olympic Gold (2012)
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Geraint focused on track cycling for the 2012 season because of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. In April, he won gold with the British team pursuit team at the World Championships, setting a new world record.
He then returned to road racing and won the first stage of the 2012 Tour de Romandie. He also helped his teammate Mark Cavendish win three stages in the 2012 Giro d'Italia.
At the London Olympics, Geraint and his team set another world record in the team pursuit. They won the gold medal, beating Australia. This was Geraint's second Olympic gold!
Overcoming Injuries (2013)
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Geraint started 2013 well, winning a stage and finishing third overall in the 2013 Tour Down Under. He also finished fourth in two important "classics" races.
He was chosen for the 2013 Tour de France, but he crashed badly on the first day. He fractured his pelvis but bravely continued the race. He finished the Tour, helping his teammate Chris Froome win.
Commonwealth Games Gold (2014)
In 2014, Geraint again started the season strong. He finished third in the 2014 E3 Harelbeke and seventh in 2014 Paris–Roubaix, a very tough race. He also won the 2014 Bayern Rundfahrt for the second time.
At the 2014 Tour de France, he finished 22nd overall, his best result at that time.
Geraint represented Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He won a bronze medal in the time trial. Then, he won a gold medal in the road race after a thrilling finish!
He was voted the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year in December.
More Success (2015)
In 2015, Geraint won the 2015 Volta ao Algarve race. He also became the first British rider to win the 2015 E3 Harelbeke. A few days later, he finished third in 2015 Gent–Wevelgem, even after crashing due to strong winds!
He finished second overall in the 2015 Tour de Suisse. At the 2015 Tour de France, he helped Chris Froome win. Geraint was in fourth place overall at one point, but he crashed and lost time. He still finished the race.
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Winning Paris–Nice (2016)
In 2016, Geraint won the 2016 Volta ao Algarve again. In March, he won the 2016 Paris–Nice race, one of the most important week-long races. He held off strong attacks on the final day to win by just 4 seconds!
He also helped Chris Froome win his third Tour de France. Geraint finished 15th overall. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, he crashed in the road race but still finished 11th.
Injuries and Comebacks (2017)
In 2017, Geraint won a stage and the overall title at the 2017 Tour of the Alps. He started the 2017 Giro d'Italia very well, sitting second overall. However, he crashed badly on stage 9 due to another rider's accident. He tried to continue but had to leave the race because of a knee injury.
At the 2017 Tour de France, Geraint won the first stage, a time trial. This made him the first Welsh rider to wear the famous yellow jersey! He held it for a few days. But on stage 9, he crashed again on a descent and broke his collarbone, forcing him to leave the race.
Tour de France Champion (2018)
In 2018, Geraint won a time trial stage at the 2018 Volta ao Algarve. He also finished third overall in 2018 Tirreno–Adriatico. In June, he won the 2018 Critérium du Dauphiné, a major warm-up race for the Tour de France.
Geraint entered the 2018 Tour de France to support Chris Froome. But after a strong first week, Geraint was in second place overall. On stage 11, he attacked on a steep climb and won the stage, taking the yellow jersey! The next day, he won another stage on the legendary Alpe d'Huez climb. He was the first rider to win at Alpe d'Huez while wearing the yellow jersey.
He kept his lead through the mountains and the final time trial. He rode into Paris as the winner of the Tour de France! He became the first Welsh and third British cyclist to win the Tour.
After his Tour win, Geraint was celebrated in Cardiff. The velodrome in Newport was renamed the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome in his honor. In December, he won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. He also received another award, Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Later Career and More Podiums
Tour Runner-Up (2019)
After his big win, Geraint started the 2019 season a bit slower. His best result before the Tour de France was third place overall at the 2019 Tour de Romandie.
He was named a co-leader for the 2019 Tour de France with his teammate Egan Bernal. Geraint rode strongly throughout the race. He finished second in an individual time trial on stage 13.
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In the Alps, Bernal attacked and took the yellow jersey. Geraint finished the Tour in second place overall, right behind his teammate Bernal.
Giro d'Italia Focus (2020)
In 2020, due to the global pandemic, Geraint focused on the 2020 Giro d'Italia instead of the Tour de France. He finished second overall in the 2020 Tirreno–Adriatico race. He also placed fourth in the time trial at the World Championships.
Sadly, he crashed on the third stage of the Giro d'Italia and fractured his pelvis, ending his season. His teammate Tao Geoghegan Hart went on to win the race.
More Stage Race Wins (2021)
In 2021, Geraint finished third overall in the 2021 Volta a Catalunya. He then won the 2021 Tour de Romandie on the final day. He also finished third overall in the 2021 Critérium du Dauphiné, winning a stage there.
He rode the 2021 Tour de France to support his teammate Richard Carapaz. Geraint finished 41st overall.
Third Tour Podium (2022)
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In 2022, Geraint won the 2022 Tour de Suisse, another important week-long race. He then rode the 2022 Tour de France for the twelfth time. He showed he was one of the strongest riders, only behind Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar.
He rode very well in the mountains and time trials. His strong performance helped him finish third overall in the Tour de France, earning him another podium spot!
At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, he won a bronze medal for Wales in the road time trial, even after an early crash.
Giro d'Italia Runner-Up (2023)
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In 2023, Geraint was a co-leader for his team at the 2023 Giro d'Italia. He stayed in the top ten for the whole race. He even took the famous pink jersey (the leader's jersey) after another rider had to leave the race. He held it for several stages.
He took the lead again later in the race. Going into the final time trial, he had a 26-second lead over Primož Roglič. However, Roglič rode an amazing time trial and beat Geraint by 14 seconds, taking the overall win. Geraint finished second, which was still a fantastic result!
Another Giro Podium (2024)
In 2024, Geraint again aimed for the 2024 Giro d'Italia. He finished the race in third place overall. This was his fifth time finishing on the podium of a Grand Tour!
Geraint has mentioned that he is likely to retire from professional cycling in 2025.
Personal Life
Geraint Thomas is married to Sara Elen Thomas. They live in Monaco. They also own a beautiful house in Chepstow, Wales, which they use as a wedding venue. The couple welcomed their son in October 2019. Geraint is a big fan of Arsenal F.C., a football team.
Career Achievements
Major Road Race Results
- 2004
- 1st Paris–Roubaix Juniors (a famous junior race)
- 2010
- 1st National Road Race Championships
- 2011
- 1st Overall 2011 Bayern Rundfahrt (stage race)
- 2014
- 1st Road race, 2014 Commonwealth Games
- 1st Overall 2014 Bayern Rundfahrt (stage race)
- 2015
- 1st Overall 2015 Volta ao Algarve (stage race)
- 1st 2015 E3 Harelbeke (one-day classic race)
- 2016
- 1st Overall 2016 Paris–Nice (major stage race)
- 1st Overall 2016 Volta ao Algarve (stage race)
- 2017
- 1st Overall 2017 Tour of the Alps (stage race)
- 1st Stage 1 (ITT), 2017 Tour de France
- 2018
- 1st National Time Trial Championships
- 1st Overall 2018 Tour de France
- 1st Stages 11 & 12
- 1st Overall 2018 Critérium du Dauphiné (major stage race)
- 2021
- 1st Overall 2021 Tour de Romandie (major stage race)
- 2022
- 1st Overall 2022 Tour de Suisse (major stage race)
Grand Tour Results (Overall Finish)
- Giro d'Italia
- 2008: 118th
- 2012: 80th
- 2017: Did Not Finish (DNF)
- 2020: Did Not Finish (DNF)
- 2023: 2nd
- 2024: 3rd
- Tour de France
- 2007: 140th
- 2010: 67th
- 2011: 31st
- 2013: 140th
- 2014: 22nd
- 2015: 15th
- 2016: 15th
- 2017: Did Not Finish (DNF)
- 2018: 1st
- 2019: 2nd
- 2021: 41st
- 2022: 3rd
- 2024: 42nd
- Vuelta a España
- 2015: 69th
- 2023: 31st
Major Track Race Results
- 2004
- 1st Scratch race, UCI World Junior Championships
- 2006
- 1st Team pursuit, UEC European Championships
- 2007
- 1st Team pursuit, UCI World Championships
- 2008
- 1st Team pursuit, 2008 Summer Olympics
- 1st Team pursuit, UCI World Championships
- 2009
- 1st Individual pursuit, UCI World Cup Classics
- 1st Team pursuit, UCI World Cup Classics
- 2011
- 1st Team pursuit, UEC European Championships
- 2012
- 1st Team pursuit, 2012 Summer Olympics
- 1st Team pursuit, UCI World Championships
World Records
Geraint Thomas was part of the team pursuit squads that set new world records multiple times:
- 3:56.322 on March 27, 2008, at the World Championships in Manchester.
- 3:55.202 on August 17, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
- 3:53.314 on August 18, 2008, at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
- 3:53.295 on April 4, 2012, at the World Championships in Melbourne.
- 3:52.499 on August 2, 2012, at the Olympic Games in London.
- 3:51.659 on August 3, 2012, at the Olympic Games in London.
Awards and Honors
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2018
- BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2014, 2018
Images for kids
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Geraint Thomas at the 2018 Deutschland Tour
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Geraint Thomas during the first stage of the 2007 Tour de France
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Geraint Thomas at the 2009 Tour of Britain
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Geraint Thomas at the 2010 Tour de France, wearing the white jersey
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Geraint Thomas wearing the National Road Race Champion's jersey in 2011
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Geraint Thomas at the 2012 Tour de Romandie, wearing the leader's jersey
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Geraint Thomas at the 2013 Tour de France
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Geraint Thomas competing in the road time trial at the 2014 Commonwealth Games
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Geraint Thomas in the prologue of the 2015 Paris–Nice
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Geraint Thomas on the final stage of the 2015 Tour de France
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Geraint Thomas at the 2016 Paris–Nice
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At the 2017 Tour de France, Geraint Thomas took the race leader's yellow jersey
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Geraint Thomas wearing the yellow jersey on stage 12 of the 2018 Tour de France
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Geraint Thomas at the 2018 Tour of Britain
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Geraint Thomas leading teammate and eventual 2019 Tour winner Egan Bernal
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Geraint Thomas at the 2022 Tour de France
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Geraint Thomas (right) wearing the maglia rosa riding with Primož Roglič (left) at the 2023 Giro d'Italia
See also
In Spanish: Geraint Thomas para niños
