May 1st 2024.
Geraint Thomas is a man with a thirst for success in Grand Tours. Once upon a time, his name alone was enough to make headlines and grab the attention of national news outlets. But those days are long gone. Despite this, Thomas is still in the game and proving that he is a force to be reckoned with. At the age of 37, he is a member of the original Team Sky and is currently one of the top contenders in one of the biggest races of the year, with odds of 7/1.
A lot has changed since the days of Team Sky, especially with regards to the team's name and sponsor. While they still maintain the same DNA as the Sky days, there have been many changes within the team. The cycling landscape has also transformed, with teams becoming more aggressive and daring. Winning is no longer the only goal, as stage victories and having fun have become important aspects of the sport.
The rise of young, attacking superstars like Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel has also shifted the mentality of traditional teams. Ineos Grenadiers, formerly known as Team Sky, has not been left behind in the changing times. However, with their focus on long-term progress, they have faced criticism for not meeting their own high standards of success. But as one of the best-funded teams in the world, they know that it takes more than just money to achieve greatness.
Recently, Ineos has undergone significant changes, with the departure of team principal Sir Dave Brailsford and his deputy Rod Ellingworth. This will be the first Grand Tour without either of them at the helm. Despite this shake-up, Thomas remains a familiar face and a leader within the team. At 37 years old, he is once again the GC leader and is considered an underdog, despite his impressive second place finish last year.
As the Tour de France kicks off, much of the spotlight will be on Pogacar, the reigning champion. But Thomas knows that luck plays a significant role in winning races. If he can avoid any unfortunate circumstances, he has a real shot at taking the top spot. And if he does, it will not be seen as a step forward in Ineos' transition phase, but rather a throwback to their glory days. At 37 years old, Thomas continues to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with, and we should never underestimate his determination and mental strength.
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