35. In conversation with Geraint Thomas

November 3 | This week’s podcast features Richard Moore and Lionel Birnie in conversation with Geraint Thomas.

In a wide ranging interview Thomas discusses his upbringing in Wales, his breakthrough 2015, in which he won his first Classic and seemed set to challenge for the podium at the Tour de France, his goals for 2016, and whether one day he could see himself moving on from Team Sky.

Hearing Thomas speak, it is clear that the Tour changed his perspective. Although the Tour of Flanders is close to his heart, next season is set to be built around the Tour de France. He will go there as back-up for Chris Froome but hopes to show that he can one day challenge for victory himself.

“The Tour has opened my eyes, opened a whole new world, and I want to go in [next year] as back-up guy and think about myself a bit more in the first half of the race,” says Thomas. “It’s highly likely that Froomey will be the better guy … but hopefully we’ve got a stronger team underneath us, which will limit how much I have to do.”

With Sky having had problems in the past accommodating two leaders, in Froome and Bradley Wiggins, Thomas tells us that he and Froome have discussed how they might work together: “We did speak about it a bit when we were on the beach drinking cocktails after the Tour. He’s super keen to see me… well, he wants me alongside him on the podium.”

Thomas also discusses his new book, The World of Cycling According to G, which is part autobiography, part humorous look at the sport.

He also reveals the highlight of his 2015 season – not winning the E3 Harelbeke or his performance at the Tour, but a surprise.

The Telegraph Cycling Podcast is sponsored by Trainer Road.