The winner of the 2018 Tour de France is still a consistent grand tour rider, despite being 37 years old. He finished a second close to Primo Logric at the Giro d'Italia but only lost Maglia Rosa in the Stage 20 Monte Russari Time Trial.
Although Thomas is expected to be a team leader, he also plays a mentoring role for young riders.
"I am really pleased to extend my time as an Ineos Grenadier. I still love riding a bike – racing and training with boys – all aspects of it," Thomas said, confirming that he would not have raced for another team and that this was likely his last contract.
"You 'never say', but in my head this is my last contract - but I know I still have 2 more big years in me
"This team understands me and, importantly, knows what it takes to achieve success. I have my childhood mates here - Luke [Rowe] and [Ben]Swift and [Ian] Stannard as riders now manage, and I have Rod [Erin] since 2003 which really feels like home.
Ineos Grenadiers announced Thomas' contract extension on Monday, after a long period of time, without the announcement of a 2024 roster from the British team. Other contract extensions are planned.
Thomas suggested that he could return to a classic that was strong early in his career, winning e3Harelbeke and finishing in the top 10 of both the Paris-Roubaix and Flanders tours. He also wants to help the next generation at Ineos as the British side vie to become the top team in cycling again.
"I really want to continue to be very competitive in anything; maybe see going to the classics again or riding GC on a grand tour or helping anyone who would be the next guy
"I'm still hungry to run but at the same time I'm at that stage happy to help the team. I want to help us move forward to get back to the top of the sport.
The motivation of the experienced Welshman was evident at the Giro d'Italia, approaching his second victory on the grand Tour.
Team manager Rod Ellingworth was delighted with Thomas' contract extension and had made clear about his important role in the team's future if he would train young talent to become a future Tour de France winner.
The Ineos Grenadier has made 8 grand tours without a win, the biggest drought since the team was founded as Team Sky in 2010. Egan Bernal's 2021 Giro d'Italia Triumph is the latest trip to the top step of the podium in one of the Grand Tours 1.
"I'm excited that Geraint has decided to ride for another 2 years as a Grenadier. The "G" is an integral part of the team's setup and rider culture," says Ellingworth.
"Not only has he won some of the biggest races in the world, but he has also shown that he is a true champion from the bike through the important role he plays with young riders across the wider team.
"We know that his ambition is to do the best race and this year we saw how close he got at the Giro d'Italia. Then he was hit by bad luck at La Vuelta and excluded him from running, but still fought to finish with true grit and determination. It was a classic G and was still inspiring to watch.
"The ambition of the team is to once again stand on the top step of the Tour de France podium and Geraint will play an essential role in realizing that goal as he brings young and exciting talent to the Ineos Grenadiers.”
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