Geraint Thomas of Team Ineos (opens in new tab) completed the first of three 12-hour rides on the virtual training platform Zwift on Wednesday and has already surpassed the NHS fundraising goal of £100,000, and as of the publication of this article reached £139,091.

Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, will be the first of G's NHS Zwift Shifts (designed to mimic a typical NHS hospital shift and raise funds for UK hospitals during a coronavirus pandemic) on Wednesday at 7:30am (UK time ) and will start at the same time on Thursday and Friday.

Thomas is live-streaming the 12-hour effort to raise money for NHS Charities Together on his and Team Ineos' Facebook page. In addition, Thomas says that every day at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., he runs at a slower pace for 30 minutes so that children can run with him on his virtual training app.

"Like everyone across the country, I am humbled by the hard work, courage, and professionalism of the NHS," Thomas said before the fundraising drive began.

"I was talking to Sa [his wife, Sarah] about what we could do to show our support for those on the front lines.

"I know this is a difficult time for everyone, but I hope you will donate what little you can to a great cause. And if anyone wants to get involved, sign up and run with me!" He said.

Thomas' second ride will start Thursday morning from his garage in Wales. You can watch it live at 7:30 am here, donate here, and join the ride on Zwift here.