Everything according to G

As Tour champion, Thomas now has to have a view on everything. He can be asked any question about the sport, will be expected to give an answer and knows that quote could go round the world within minutes. As straightforward and laid-back as he always was, Thomas now has a level of maturity to tackle most topics.

BANNING POWER METERS

“Eurgh… It’s fine with me. I don’t think it’d affect the race. Other races are exciting and they use power meters in them. I don’t think it makes much difference. Should we all put woollen jerseys on too? Have gear changes on our down tube? I feel that sport needs to keep evolving and pushing forward.”

ABUSE FROM TOUR FANS

“It’s not nice and I’d prefer it not to be like that. It wasn’t there when we first started and weren’t winning. Since we’ve become more and more dominant, it’s increased. This year you noticed more in the first week when you weren’t on the limit and not racing for the win. In the mountains you’re more focused and it’s background noise. But it brought us together and gave us a common enemy.”

RIDERS’ UNION

“I think the riders should have more power for sure and a stronger CPA that represents everyone in the peloton. At the end of the day we’re the guys out racing on the road and we have the least amount of say. There’s the UCI, the teams and organisers but it’s all a bit of a mess and needs to improve and move on. It’s definitely a bit backwards.”

FROOME’S SALBUTAMOL CASE

“I don’t know 100 per cent how it came out. I’ve heard rumours on how it happened and if it’s true [that the UCI leaked it], that’d be crazy. The UCI are supposed to be the governing body and be neutral. It’s in the rules that it shouldn’t have come out until the final decision was made.”