Geraint Thomas: I'd bet all the money I have that Froome and Wiggins are clean
Geraint Thomas gives his reaction to the Cycling Independent Reform Commission doping report
Geraint Thomas has given his reaction to some of the findings in the Cycling Independent Reform Commission's report into doping in professional cycling, saying that he finds it 'insulting' that some people consider that cycling is 'still really filthy'. Thomas made it clear that he thinks his Tour de France-winning Sky team-mates Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins ride clean.
A section of the CIRC report relating to doping in cycling today included a statement from an unnamed current professional rider, who felt that "90% of the peloton was doping, although he thought that there was little orchestrated team doping in the manner that teams had previously employed".
Talking to the BBC during Paris-Nice, where he currently sits in ninth place overall, the 28-year-old Sky rider said: "I think it's a hell of a lot cleaner. I didn't race back then, but all the stories you hear and stuff, it's certainly not like that now. Whole teams were doing it back then.
"I can only comment on me and this team and I know we do - and I know I do it - 100 per cent [clean]. It's quite insulting when people say it's still really filthy, because that's saying that I'm doing something wrong."
"I dedicate everything to this. You do everything you can you sleep well, you try not to eat to get skinny. It's hard bloody work, you know. It's insulting... when they say something like that."
>>> Brian Cookson: We could see disciplinary action from CIRC findings
Thomas himself feels distanced from the previous era of cycling, and thinks that it is the older generation of riders whose cynicism about not being able to perform without doping is still holding cycling back.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"You look at older riders who have done it in the past, they are the most cynical about it all because they don't know any other way, they think you can't do it. But you certainly can," said Thomas. "You look at Brad, you look at Froomey. I'd put all the money I had that they are clean. Obviously I can't say 100 per cent, but 99.999."
Froome was the only current professional rider willing to be named in the CIRC report as someone who testified to them, although Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) has subsequently said that he also spoke to the Commission.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
The Oura ring reviewed: is this wellness tracker helpful to cyclists?
With its focus on recovery and wellness, the Oura ring offers unique insights but is it worth the investment over other wearables?
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Shimano RC703 road shoe review: sleek, stiff and robust
Shimano's second-tier offering combines a rigid carbon sole with handy Boa dials and protective toe caps
By Sam Gupta Published
-
'Lance has helped me a lot in recent years' - Armstrong offered to pay for Bradley Wiggins' therapy
2012 Tour de France winner says he is in the 'best place' he has been his whole life in interview
By Adam Becket Published
-
Claims against bankrupt Sir Bradley Wiggins’s estate double to £2m
Wiggins’s efforts to pursue money through the courts have been paused
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins to reunite on the bike to raise money for US hurricane relief
The British knights will be joined by Jan Ullrich at the Gran Fondo Hincapie next week
By Adam Becket Published
-
Bradley Wiggins 'a little bit nervous' as he returns to cycling
Former Tour de France winner set to ride bike again for first time in almost three years
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I should have paid more attention to my financial affairs' - Bradley Wiggins opens up about bankruptcy
Former Tour de France winner was declared bankrupt in June
By Adam Becket Published
-
Bradley Wiggins: 'I was putting myself in some situations where someone would have found me dead in the morning'
Former Tour de France winner and Olympic champion reveals further details about his mental health struggles and suggests 2022 interview potentially saved his life
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Bradley Wiggins joins Lance Armstrong for Tour de France podcast
The former Tour de France winner will be appearing on The Move for the next week
By Adam Becket Published
-
Bradley Wiggins declared bankrupt - reports
The Tour de France winner was in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement since 2020
By Adam Becket Published