Geraint Thomas signs new two-year contract with Team Sky

Omnisports Pulse

July 28, 2014 10:27 AM

Geraint Thomas has signed a new two-year contract to keep him at Team Sky until the end of 2016.

The 28-year-old was the only British rider to finish the Tour de France, ending the race in 22nd - 59 minutes and 14 seconds behind winner Vincenzo Nibali.

Thomas had played a pivotal role in team-mate Chris Froome's Tour victory in 2013, but did not have the chance to help Froome repeat the feat as the defending champion crashed out on stage five this time around.

But, despite Sky's disappointing performance at the Tour, Thomas believes he is in the right place to achieve his ambitions after securing his future with the team.

"I'm really happy to be staying with Team Sky for another two years," the Welshman told the team's official website.

"I've been here since the start and I firmly believe it is the best place for me to fulfil my potential as a bike rider.

"I feel very supported here and I'm excited about what the future holds. I'll look forward to challenging myself both on and off the bike and striving to become the very best at what I do."

Sky's Team Principal Dave Brailsford added: "We're delighted that Geraint has re-signed for another two years. He's been with Team Sky since we began and has been essential to the success that we've had.

"Team Sky has always been built around a strong British core - developing and nurturing home-grown talent to be the best they can be - and Geraint has been at the heart of that.

"On and off the bike, Geraint is an influential member of Team Sky. Not only is he a strong character but he's one of a handful of world-class riders that can do it all, whether that's on the climbs, flat, cobbles or time trials, which proves what a valuable member of the team he is.

"Over the last three weeks of the Tour de France Geraint has underlined his qualities again and shown that he's an exceptional rider with an exciting future.

"He's a great guy, a good leader and we're delighted that he'll be a key part of the team going forward."

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