I’VE GOT THE TASTE FOR MORE
GERAINT THOMAS is targeting more major victories after yesterday becoming the first Welshman to win the Tour de France. While it remains to be seen how Team Sky manage the situation between Thomas and four-time Tour winner Chris Froome, the new champion has made clear his own ambition. ‘I’ve certainly got the taste for it,’ said Thomas, who is expected now to complete contract talks that began before the gruelling threeweek race. ‘This year I’ve really enjoyed racing for stages and being aggressive. Racing on instinct almost,’ he said. ‘It would be nice to win more Grand Tours, although if I do nothing now for the rest of my career I can be happy.’ Thomas said that he
had been ‘pencilled in’ for next month’s Vuelta a Espana, but Sir Dave Brailsford, the Team Sky chief, suggested last night that Thomas was unlikely to compete. After Alexander Kristoff sprinted to victory to claim the final stage, Thomas stood on the podium on the ChampsElysees and paid tribute to his wife, Sara, and his team-mates, in particular Froome. And after insisting on Friday that his ‘victory will stand the test of time’ — and confirming after a fine performance in Saturday’s time trial that he does not use asthma drugs and has never had a therapeutic use exemption — Thomas also had a message for any young fans. ‘I got into cycling because of this race,’ he said. ‘I remember Baton handover: Froome (right) with Thomas running home from school to be a part of it . . . and now I am here stood in the yellow jersey. It’s insane. ‘It’s just a dream. And kids, you will have knocks and downs but believe anything is possible. With hard work it can come off. Thank you very much and Vive le Tour!’