Geraint Thomas will not participate in this year's edition of the Tour de France.
The Welshman confirmed back in November that he would not be taking part in the Grand Boucle, stating that the "extreme" lack of time trialling on the route was the main reason for his decision.
The 2018 winner put all his focus into the Giro d'Italia instead, which took place in May.
The 37-year-old made a positive return to the Italian circuit, after two freak crashes in 2017 and 2020 spoiled his previous recent efforts. He finished second in the final standings after leading the way heading into the final stages, with Primoz Roglic taking the overall title.
The time-trialling for the Tour de France is a hilly 22km route in the Alps, something which Thomas was evidently not a fan of.
Speaking to CyclingNews, the Cardiffian explained his absence: "I’m not too sure why they’ve done that,” he said. “When I did my first Tour in 2007 – okay, it was a long time ago – it had two time trials of 50km plus, so it’s quite extreme to go the other way like that.
“Those time trial days are big iconic stages as well. This year there were only three big bunch sprints, which are iconic stages as well. Maybe they’re just trying to mix it up completely. I think it’s disappointing there’s not more (time trialling).
"That's what I was thinking anyway. The Giro is a lot less intense - just the atmosphere and everything. I'd like to ride it another time."
His next targets are the Vuelta in late August and the World Championships which came straight after
