The British Geraint Thomas, 37, winner of the Tour de France in 2018, has renewed his contract with the Ineos team until the end of the 2025 season, both parties announced this Monday.
Thus, Thomas will remain attached to the squad for 16 years, "consolidating his status as one of cycling's most respected riders and an icon of British sport," according to the team.
"I'm really delighted to extend my time at Ineos. I still love cycling, running and training with the boys, every aspect of it," Thomas said.
"Although 'never say,' this is my last contract in my head, but I know that I still have two great years left. And I would not have continued in a different team," he added when announcing the renewal.
For the Cardiff cyclist, two-time Olympic track champion, Ineos understands him "and, more importantly, knows what it takes to succeed."
"I have childhood friends here. I feel at home. We are an ambitious group and we have big goals ahead of us. I'm looking forward to getting back to work and I want to help the team continue to progress," he highlighted.
Thomas has climbed to all steps on the podium of the Tour de France and is one of the most experienced corridors in the professional squad.
"I'm in that phase where I still want to perform, but at the same time I'm happy to help the team," said the Welshman.
His record also includes victories in Paris-Nice, the Dauphine, the Tour of Switzerland and gold at the Commonwealth Games, among other events.
Rod Ellingworth, deputy team principal, said Thomas "has not only won some of the biggest races in the world, but has also proven himself to be a true champion off the bike, through the crucial role he plays throughout the world." team and with the younger riders.
"We know that his ambition is to race with the best and this year we saw how close he came in the Giro d'Italia. Then he had bad luck in La Vuelta, which left him out of the race, but he still fought until the end with real grit and determination. It continues to be inspiring to see," said the manager.
"The team's ambition is to get back to the top of the Tour de France podium and Geraint is going to play a fundamental role in achieving that goal," he said.
