'If we face it with honesty, it can work': Geraint Thomas confident in joint Tour de France 2019 leadership with Chris Froome
The Welshman says the pair can work together to deliver a Team Sky victory if they are "united"

Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas on stage 21 of the 2018 Tour de France (Sunada)

Racing the 2019 Tour de France with Chris Froome "can work" if done with "honesty", says 2018 winner and team-mate Geraint Thomas.
Thomas wants to approach the 2019 edition as he and Team Sky did in 2018, which should see the two captains working in harmony this July 6 to 28. He is due to return to the Tour as defending champion with Froome, a four-time winner, racing alongside him.
"I don't look at it that way," Thomas told Spanish website AS when asked about any potential conflicts.
>>> Chris Froome dreaming of Tokyo 2020 road race success, but remaining ‘realistic’
"Chris is probably one of the best cyclists for three-week races. He's collected six so far, and I have no doubt that he wants to get a fifth Tour.
"If we face it as we did last July, with honesty and not racing against each other, but united, it can work."
If Froome wins his fifth Tour, he will match the record held by Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain. Thomas decided to not race the Giro d'Italia in May, "even if it looks like a risky move," to go "all in" for the Tour.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Already last July, doubts about the two's ability to work for each other existed. However, they showed on the road their willingness to work for a Team Sky win.
Froome rode for Thomas after he conquered the two Alpine summit finishes, including the stage to the Alpe d'Huez ski resort in the yellow jersey. He went on to finish third overall.
"Very good, honestly," Thomas said of their relationship. "The media runs with the rumours, taking out the news and just speculates with stories that don't match reality. I understand that you have to publish and sell, but for the record, Froome and I will have dinner together, a drink, and we laugh when we meet in Monaco."
Thomas began his season with a 13th place in the short 10.3km time trial at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. He is working in the Spanish race for his team-mates David De La Cruz and Diego Rosa.
David Brailsford, team boss, is searching for a new backer for 2020 and beyond while they race. After 10 years, Sky media group will end its sponsorship of £34 million a year.
"Worried? Not so much," Thomas said.
"I have a three-year contract and I hope that Brailsford will keep us all together, with another sponsor. This is like a second family."
Before re-signing his contract last summer, Thomas had been linked to BMC Racing or what is now Team CCC.
"The structure is the most interesting looking beyond Sky," Thomas said. "If I was six or seven years younger, maybe I would have accepted."
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
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
Not a typo! These Oura Gen 3 Smart Rings have up to $100 off – Get a deep dive on your health and well being with these Amazon deals
Deals The Oura Smart Rings one of the best way's to track biometrics with a focus on recovery and wellness
By Paul Brett Published
-
How to watch Gent-Wevelgem 2025: Everything you need to live stream the Flemish Classic
All the information on broadcasters and live streams for Gent-Wevelgem on 30 March, as the Spring Classics continue in Flanders.
By Adam Becket Published
-
'An unprecedented opportunity for brands to be part of the evolution' - Ineos Grenadiers sponsor hunt steps up with sales agency partnership
Sportfive have been employed to find "non-endemic global partners for the team"
By Adam Becket Published
-
'We've all got a little bit extra in us this year' - Ineos Grenadiers recapture 'fighting spirit' with aggressive Paris-Nice display
British team continue to put tumultuous 2024 behind them with momentum and a new found mentality
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Could a TotalEnergies deal be the end of Ineos Grenadiers as we know them?
Reports suggested this week that Ineos could be close to signing a deal with the French petrochemical firm
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'They’re racing with their hearts again' - Robbie McEwen on Ineos Grenadiers' bright start to 2025
The British squad have already won four times in 2025
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers are entertaining so far this year, but how long will it last?
The British WorldTour squad have won four times already in 2025, but more than that, they have been fun. Is this the new dawn?
By Adam Becket Published
-
Caleb Ewan says he was put in a 'bad situation' by Jayco AlUla before he joined Ineos Grenadiers
Ewan joined Ineos Grenadiers in January after spending just one year with Jayco AlUla
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'There's no bull****, that's what I've always liked' - Geraint Thomas's first BC coach Rod Ellingworth on the retiring Welshman
The 2018 Tour de France winner will step away from professional cycling at the end of the season
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'It is time to change goals' - Egan Bernal's coach confirms Ineos Grenadiers exit
'I want to thank all the cyclists I have had the opportunity to coach over the past ten years' Xabier Artetxe says in LinkedIn post
By Tom Thewlis Published