Froome reacts to his friend Geraint Thomas’ retirement and calls Pogacar one of the best riders ever

The news that had been looming for a while became official a few days ago—Geraint Thomas has announced his retirement after this season. The Brit, who won the 2018 Tour de France, is one of the last remaining riders from the golden era of British cycling, alongside Christopher Froome. Froome, currently competing in the UAE Tour, couldn’t stay silent and shared his thoughts with Cyclingnews.

"It’s the end of an era," Froome began, referring to the British stars who dominated cycling between 2012 and 2018, winning the Tour de France six times. "It’s a shame that our brilliant and successful generation is slowly coming to an end, but of course, it was inevitable."

Froome and Tarling share fond memories of their friend Thomas

"He’s had an incredible career and achieved some amazing results in an era of fierce competition," Froome continued, now riding for Israel-Premier Tech. "We’ve shared so many great years and celebrated a lot of success together. We’ve also seen many British talents rise, but I’m afraid it might take a while before we see another Brit winning a Grand Tour."

One of Britain’s rising stars, Joshua Tarling, who currently rides alongside Thomas at INEOS Grenadiers, also has fond memories of his teammate. "He’s not just a teammate, but a true friend. During my first training camp, I shared a room with him, and that’s something I’ll never forget. I’m really going to miss him—he’s an amazing guy both on and off the bike."

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Froome wins the Tour de France

Froome still enjoys cycling after all this time

Now that Geraint Thomas has announced his retirement at the end of this season, Chris Froome remains the last man standing from Britain’s ‘golden generation’. The four-time Tour de France winner still loves cycling. "I still enjoy riding immensely, and I’m very grateful to still be a professional cyclist. I want to make the most of this season because it could very well be my last."

The Brit, who last appeared in a grand tour in 2022, hopes to be selected for the major races this year. "It’s obviously not an easy path to race a grand tour again. The whole process has to go well, and the level keeps getting higher, so I need to ensure that I perform at my best this season."

"But I just have to keep working hard," Froome continued. "If I keep giving my best, work hard all season, and my level is where it needs to be, I know that riding a Grand Tour is within reach. I would absolutely love to return to a grand tour—then I could end my career on a very positive note."

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Froome deeply impressed with Pogacar

Four-time Tour winner impressed with Pogacar

Should the Brit get the chance to ride one more grand tour, there’s a good chance he’ll face Tadej Pogacar, a rider he deeply admires. "It’s incredibly impressive to see what he does in stage races, but to be able to do that while also being exceptionally strong in races like the Tour of Flanders—that’s almost unheard of."

"It’s amazing to witness this, especially in a sport that has become so specialized. Seeing someone who can literally do almost everything is quite remarkable. There’s definitely a sense that whenever he’s at the start line, many riders are essentially racing for second place," Froome concluded.

Read also

Froome hints at retirement at Vuelta in 2025: "It would be a great way to close the circle"

"Tadej just had his breakfast," says Alaphilippe, who shares his opinion as the Pogacar of his time: "It makes me sad"

Fourth last year in the Tour of Flanders, but now back as domestique: "Pogačar isn't afraid of Van der Poel or Van Aert"

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