Geraint Thomas has announced he will retire from cycling at the end of this season – and then wants to test himself on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 38-year-old became just the third Briton - and the first born in the UK - to win the Tour de France when he triumphed in 2018, having also collected Olympic gold medals at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
Thomas will now compete in one final Tour de France this summer before bringing the curtain down on his glittering career at the Tour of Britain in September, which could finish in his home city of Cardiff.
‘This is my 19th year as a professional and I didn't want to do one year too many and be the grumpy guy in the team,’ said the Monaco-based Welshman, whose Ineos Grenadiers contract expires this year.
‘I'm still really enjoying it, I still feel competitive and the last year has been good, but I think the timing’s right. The main thing is my family. My son Max will be six this year, which is bonkers .
‘There's stuff I think I'll miss, the racing, being here in Monaco, but it will be nice just to be around more and to take on a new challenge.’
In 2018, Geraint Thomas followed in the footsteps of Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome by winning the Tour de France, the oldest and most prestigious of the three Grand Tours
Thomas (second left) also won gold medals at London 2012 and four years earlier in Beijing
The Welshman, whose Ineos Grenadiers contract expires this year, wants to focus on family
That new challenge could see Thomas swap the roads for the ballroom with a stint on Strictly.
‘My parents-in-law tell me, “Please don't do it, you'll make a fool of yourself” and that makes me want to do it,’ he said. ‘That would be the biggest challenge of my life for sure. Maybe I've got the hips for it.
‘I also want to do an Ironman. I only run two or three times a year, so that's something that needs a bit of work. It's about challenging myself in different ways.’
Reflecting on his overall career, Thomas added: ‘Since I was a kid I dreamt of riding the Tour and being part of the Olympics and winning was obviously a dream as well, but to achieve that was just nuts.
‘The Tour's what changed my life, being recognised all over the place. The yellow jersey is iconic. You go anywhere in the world and people will know the yellow jersey, how it signifies cycling and its history. So to be a part of that history and to win it, I just pinch myself.
‘Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being a pro for 19 years. There’ll be lots of time to reflect but, before then, I’ve got some big races to prep for.’
British Cycling paid tribute to Thomas – who first joined their team in 2005 – following his retirement announcement.
‘I would like to congratulate Geraint on a stellar career, one that has shown what is possible within such a gruelling and captivating sport for those who have the grit and determination to succeed at the highest level,’ said British Cycling performance director Stephen Park.
Geraint Thomas' Tour de France victory in 2018 capped a period of dominance for Team Sky whose riders won six out of seven tours - with Froome responsible for four of those wins
The 38-year-old has had plenty of champagne moments and is now ready to hit the dance floor
‘His 2018 Tour de France win will go down in history as the first time a Welshman has achieved the prestigious and hard-fought accolade.
‘We will all be cheering him on over the coming months as he competes in his final season and look forward to bidding him farewell as he makes September’s Tour of Britain his final race.
‘G has been a key figurehead in every team he’s been a part of over the years and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats.’
