Geraint Thomas will start his 1-21 season with the Ineos Grenadiers on the 2025 Santos Tour Down Under, which will be held in and around Adelaide, Australia, from 26 May to 16 May. It was the 38-year-old's 10th appearance at the event that he said he felt "familiar" and had always offered him a "warm reception."

"I've always loved coming to South Australia and enjoying the warm reception from the fans. The chance to start the season with an event I know well now is a great bonus," Thomas said in a media release issued by the tour's organizers on Tuesday.

Thomas's career has been over 20 years and most of that time spent with the former Team Sky and current Ineos Grenadiers squad. At that time, the rider won the Tour de France in 2018, and in 2019 and 2022 the Tour de France took 2nd and 3rd place overall, respectively. Thomas also won the 2023 and 2024 Giro d'Italia in 2nd and 3rd place overall.

His contract with Ineos Grenadiers is due to expire at the end of 2025, and he has not confirmed his retirement plans, but indicated to BBC Radio4 that he is likely for last season.

Thomas's strongest result in the Six-stage race in Australia was in the 2013 edition of the 3rd overall, securing a Stage 2 victory on the Lost Lever and earning the overall point classification.

The Welsh Rider is the first tour under organisers confirmed for the 2025 edition, a 6-day race that ends at the circuit in the centre of Adelaide on Sunday 1 May 26. But the 2nd day from the end could prove the last chance to influence the overall standings with Saturday's race ending at the top of the hill at Willunga.

"Geraint Thomas is no stranger to the Santos tour and brings a wealth of experience every time he races here," said Stuart O'Grady, the event's race director.

"We know there are a lot of fans who are keen to get another glimpse of the Star Rider and we are confident that he will perform strongly."

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