Welsh hero and Tour de France revelation Geraint Thomas has signed a lucrative two-year contract extension with Team Sky.

The 29-year-old, who has been with the the British team since its inception in 2010, is expected to have a key role in this year’s Tour and will give them a back-up plan if mishap strikes reigning champion Chris Froome.

Thomas has this year already won the Volta ao Algarve and the hugely prestigious Paris-Nice stage race, and hopes to start the Tour as a protected rider behind two-time yellow jersey winner Froome.

Twice Olympic track gold medallist Thomas had been a target for other teams with his current contract expiring at the end of this year but decided to stay put despite the possibility of gaining outright leadership elsewhere.

Dave Brailsford and Gerait Thomas exchange a glance at a press conference during the 2014 Tour de France
Dave Brailsford and Gerait Thomas exchange a glance at a press conference during the 2014 Tour de France

“Signing again was an easy decision. Team Sky feels like home. From the other riders to the staff, I love it here,” he said.

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“I’ve only really just started when it comes to trying to win stage races. I’m learning all the time about how to get in the best shape for them and how to lead a team.

“For me, this year started with winning Paris-Nice and is now about going to the Tour in the best shape possible to support ‘Froomey’.

“After the Tour we can start looking to next year and keep setting bigger and better goals.

“It’s about keeping that progression going, and Team Sky is the best place to do that. I’m just super happy being part of the team.”

Geraint Thomas leads Chris Froome up the Plateau de Beille climb in the 2015 Tour de France
Geraint Thomas leads Chris Froome up the Plateau de Beille climb in the 2015 Tour de France

Thomas played a big role in Froome’s Tour de France victory last year and, in doing so, rode himself into the top five overall, performing above and beyond expectations in the mountains and only falling away when he cracked in the mountains two days out from the finish in Paris.

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Team Sky’s principal and fellow Welshman Dave Brailsford underlined Thomas’ hopes to become a Grand Tour contender.

“Geraint is one of the most versatile bike racers in the world. He has demonstrated this by winning on the track, in the Classics and now in stage races,” said Brailsford.

Sir Dave Brailsford
Sir Dave Brailsford

“He has gone from strength to strength and winning Paris-Nice this year was another step up.

“I think it gave him real confidence and now he can set his sights on developing his performances in the Grand Tours.

“I still believe the best is yet to come from Geraint and we will enjoy supporting him to see just how far he can go.”

“He epitomises what the team is all about both on and off the bike. He’s a great ambassador for Team Sky, cycling and, let’s not forget, Wales!”