Geraint Thomas set to sign new deal with Ineos Grenadiers despite 'tough' negotiations
The Welshman's current contract runs out at the end of 2021
Geraint Thomas is set to sign a new contract with Ineos Grenadiers, with his current deal due to expire at the end of 2021.
The 35-year-old joined the team in 2010 - formerly known as Team Sky - and expects to pen a new two-year-deal in what he realises could be his last in professional cycling. As a result, negotiations have taken longer than usual, especially after other teams expressed an interest in Thomas' services for next season.
"It's pretty much done but it's still not signed so I don't want to curse it," Thomas told BBC Sport Wales.
"It's hard. I've had to separate the emotional and the business side of things."
Thomas explained that while he has had a good relationship with Ineos team boss Dave Brailsford since 2003, each party has their own priorities, so finalising the contract has been tougher than before.
"I've known Dave since 2003 and that relationship is obviously a good one but he has his bosses and his agenda and there's me and what my family want. So it's been tough. It's been the worst contract to redo because there's been a lot going on but I'm happy that it's finally almost done.
"Once it's announced, we can move on and I can concentrate on getting fit and riding my bike."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thomas signed his current deal in 2018 after he won the Tour de France, but he has failed to challenge for further Grand Tour titles due to injuries and crashes. The Welshman did manage to secure runner-up at the 2019 Tour de France though, and his only overall win since 2019 came at the 2021 Tour de Romandie.
While Thomas is preparing for retirement in the next few years, he still harbours ambition to race at the best level possible. Consequently, he realises that he needs to perform to his absolute maximum to enjoy the final stages of his career.
"In two or three years I'll be done then, which is a weird thought, so I really want to enjoy my last few years of racing," said Thomas. "And to enjoy it, I need to be at the front racing to win.
"With retirement, it's something I'm thinking about so it's not a shock. It's a big change, going from 17 or 18 years of having a big goal you're training for to suddenly waking up on a Monday morning and thinking 'What do I do now?'.
"It's something I'm thinking about but racing is still at the forefront of my mind."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Ryan is a staff writer for Cycling Weekly, having joined the team in September 2021. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before making his way to cycling. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer.
-
Castelli Squall Shell review: no excuses for not carrying a waterproof jacket
Lightweight, waterproof and with a great fit, there is a lot to like about Castelli's Squall Shell and it is great value too
By Tim Russon Published
-
2,500 children's bikes recalled due to crank failures
Customers advised to "immediately" stop using bikes following one report of injury
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers hire new head of engineering as reshuffle continues
Former British Cycling lead, Dr Billy Fitton, is the latest of a handful of new appointments within the British squad
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Grandpa Geraint Thomas, a fox at the Giro d'Italia, and the greatest camera shot ever
As the dust settles on the Giro d'Italia, it's the Tour of Norway that grabs our attention
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Patrick Lefevere hands out the bidons, pink sunglasses, and the kids are alright
All the action from cycling social media in the last 7 days
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Overachiever: Cameron Wurf competed in the Amstel Gold, La Flèche Wallonne and an Ironman, all in just eight days
Cameron Wurf is both a member of Team Ineos Grenadiers and an accomplished professional long course triathlete who has racked up numerous World Tour and Ironman race finishes across his career.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
‘I feel lucky to be alive’: Magnus Sheffield speaks for the first time about Gino Mäder’s fatal crash
The American describes what he saw at the Tour de Suisse, eight months after the tragedy
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Geraint Thomas is still the king of dad jokes
Get your fix of the week's best cycling posts from social media
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tom Pidcock: Tour of Britain route 'not really ideal for me'
Brit says he wants to win home stage race, even if the course plays in Wout van Aert's favour
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Trek's new Lidl kit, Alaphilippe's unusual training and the Cavendish/Thomas show
Your favourite social media roundup from the world of professional cycling
By Adam Becket Published