Raised profile on the road
Geraint Thomas has led the way on the road for the Welsh, his heroic performance in supporting Chris Froome at the Tour de France – despite a broken pelvis – attracting worldwide plaudits.
‘G’ is not the only Welshman enjoying life on the road however, with Cardiff-born Team Sky team-mate Luke Rowe also beginning to forge a professional career having rode the Classics for the British team this year before making his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a Espana.
Away from the upper echelons of the sport, Welsh riders have also led the way at domestic level – not least with British number one, Yanto Barker.
Barker won two rounds of the Tour Series last year, as he led the now-defunct Team UK Youth to the overall title, while compatriot Jon Mould also won a round for the team.
His performances were such that the experienced Welshman finished the year ranked number one in the country and will now ride for Team Raleigh next season.
On the women’s side, his namesake Elinor has also impressed – winning the junior world time trial title last year before signing for Wiggle-Honda.
Mould and Rowe are now likely to be among the support riders for Thomas at the Commonwealth Games next year, as he bids to step-up from road captain for Great Britain to team leader for Wales.
