New Sky deal for Geraint

GERAINT THOMAS has ended speculation about his future by signing a three-year contract extension with Team Sky.

The Tour de France champion, above, who had been targeted by several rival teams, said: “I’m pleased it’s sorted and delighted to be staying.

“It has been a great journey for me with Team Sky and obviously the last few months have been crazy.

“It’s working really well for me here and I’m excited about what’s still to come.”

Thomas finished 35th overall in the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, which ended in London yesterday.

Quick-Step Floors’ Julian Alaphilippe claimed the title, while Caleb Ewan, of Mitchelton-Scott, won the final stage.

Simon Yates has extended his lead in the Red Jersey at the Vuelta a Espana.

The Briton came third in yesterday’s stage 15 with a summit finish to Lagos de Covadonga, behind stage winner Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) and Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana).

Mitchelton-Scott’s Yates battled with his two rivals from Movistar, Alejandro Valverde and Nairo Quintana, up the 14km final climb but managed to break away in the last 500m.

Yates now leads Valverde by 26 seconds and Quintana by 33 seconds. Marc Marquez took second to extend his championship lead to 67 points. Britain’s Cal Crutchlow was third.

Leon Haslam doubled up to make it three out of three Bennetts British Superbike Championship race wins at Silverstone. The victories gave Haslam a 45-point lead going into the Showdown, starting next weekend.

ZOE BURN