Geraint Thomas greets fans, gets disqualified from race (video)

Thomas was competing in the Longest Lap race on his return to the London Velodrome, but was disqualified before the race really got going

Geraint Thomas lined up for the Revolution Series Longest Lap over the weekend, but the race didn't quite go to plan.

As the riders took up their track-standing positions in the home straight, the Welshman rolled to the top of the track and started greeting fans.

Whilst doing so he took hold of the railing around the edge of the track, something that is strictly forbidden in the race - for obvious reasons.

Geraint Thomas, points race, Revolution Series, London, November 2015

Geraint Thomas, points race, Revolution Series, London, November 2015. Photo: Andy Jones
(Image credit: Andy Jones)

The Team Sky rider is popular with home crowds and this is evident when the spectators begin a cheerful mock-booing as he is asked to leave the track.

Thomas was making his competitive return to the Lee Valley Velopark in London for the time since the 2012 Olympics.

While he might have not realised exactly what was going on, his teammate Pete Kennaugh came agonisingly close to holding his track-stand shortly before the race lap, but was forced to unclip and leave the race after losing balance.

Not long after Thomas's exit the whistle sounded and the race began. A handily timed roll from Adam Blythe placed him perfectly to ride away from the remaining riders giving him enough time for a bit of showboating towards the finish line.

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Jack Elton-Walters hails from the Isle of Wight, and would be quick to tell anyone that it's his favourite place to ride. He has covered a varied range of topics for Cycling Weekly, producing articles focusing on tech, professional racing and cycling culture. He moved on to work for Cyclist Magazine in 2017 where he stayed for four years until going freelance. He now returns to Cycling Weekly from time-to-time to cover racing, review cycling gear and write longer features for print and online.