Geraint Thomas enjoyed the final days of his Tour de France celebrations at the Saitama criterium in Japan at the weekend but admitted he is keen to get back into a more normal cyclist's routine and start preparing for 2019 and a shot at a second Tour de France victory.
The Welshman understandably wanted to savour his first-ever Tour de France success but the desire for a second victory is growing as he becomes fatigued by the celebrations.
That desire could put him on a collision course with Chris Froome for leadership at Team Sky next July but Thomas is convinced the two Team Sky leaders can find a gentleman's agreement that means the road and the racing will decide who perhaps pulls on the yellow jersey in Paris next July.
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"I've enjoyed it all but now I just want to get training again. Even my wife Sara has said: 'I'm looking forward to when you're back on your bike and in a routine.' I'm craving that now," Thomas explained to a select group of media, including Cyclingnews, in Saitama, admitting he has not done any structured training since the Tour of Britain in early September.
"It's still a bit of a whirlwind, really. I haven't really stopped. I've not been anywhere for more than four or five days. It's been good but hectic."
Thomas had to squeeze into his Tour de France yellow jersey for the racing in Saitama, while other Grand Tour riders such as world champion Alejandro Valverde and Vincenzo Nibali looked skinny in comparison. Thomas finished second to Valverde in Sunday's exhibition criterium, while on Saturday he enjoyed a baseball lesson on stage, rode in a kids' race, and signed hundreds of autographs for the friendly and enthusiastic Japanese fans.
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via Cyclingnews Latest Interviews and Features http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/geraint-thomas-targeting-tour-de-france-victory-despite-froome-rivalry
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