Thomas May Retire from the Track after London 2012
 |
October 7, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Welsh cyclist Geraint Thomas announces his possible retirement from track cycling after he competes in the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Thomas, the 25-year-old Welshman, has decided that after the Games in London he will then move his focus from the track to the road. Thomas is already a highly experienced road racer as he wore the white jersey for the best young rider in the opening seven stages of the Tour de France.
The Welsh cyclist was also a key member of the British road racing team that helped Mark Cavendish win the world title in Copenhagen this year. Thomas claimed his first professional win in Bayern-Rudfahrt in Germany 2011, but finished 31st overall.
Speaking of his decision, Thomas said: “Four years is a long time, in sport anyway, and for a year or so after the London Olympics I will be totally on the road.”
He was part of the team pursuit that won gold in Beijing 2008 alongside Bradley Wiggins, Ed Clancy and Paul Manning. They also broke the world record for the team pursuit and will be looking to defend their titles in London 2012.
The cyclist has also stated that he may not to compete in the major road races, such as the Tour de France, next year so that he can focus on the track and the Olympic Games.
“It’s not decided for definite, but it’s looking that way. I will sit down with my coaches and decide the best plan of attack, but I don’t want to jeopardise the Olympics in any way.”
By Jonathan Davies
[Image courtesy of chris.meads1]
