“Roglič smashed me. I’m devastated, but proud of what I’ve done”. One of the most enduring images of Geraint Thomas will forever be from the 2023 Giro d’Italia – beaten, but head held high. The Welshman always had a troubled relationship with the Corsa Rosa, but two years ago he finally got the chance to race the Giro the way he had always dreamed.

Eight days in the Maglia Rosa, leading the race all the way until the Monte Lussari time trial, where he finally had to surrender to Primož Roglič after holding him off in all the brutal mountain stages before. It was a crushing blow, but Mister G handled it with his trademark British composure and humor, winning the hearts of Italian fans. Even last year, at 38, he managed to finish 3rd in his final Giro – dominated by none other than Tadej Pogačar.

With the Tour of Britain wrapped up this past weekend, Geraint Thomas has officially closed the curtain on his pro career. His journey took him from becoming world and Olympic champion (Beijing 2008 and London 2012) in track pursuit, to gradually transforming into a road racer and climber, following in the footsteps of his old Team Sky teammate Bradley Wiggins. In 2018, he won the Tour de France, conquering Alpe d’Huez along the way, before gradually making space for the new generation of stars.

Yet he never stopped fighting: in 2022 he was back on the Tour podium behind Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar, and then came those final bullets at the Giro, chasing the pink dream that slipped away only on the very last battle. In both victories and defeats, the Welshman always carried himself like a true gentleman of the peloton – a presence that will be sorely missed. Now a new life begins, but first, all we can do is thank him: we’ll miss you, Mister G!