Geraint Thomas will not be able to defend the gold medal he won at the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Back then, the road race was held in August and the Welshman had a rare chance to wear the Wales jersey and land a symbolic title in his career. In 2018, Thomas is still under contract with Team Sky, as well as his compatriots Owain Doull and Luke Rowe, and none of them are likely to be present.

The reasons for the decision are many. Firstly the races will take place from 10 to 14 April which is right in the middle of the classics season. At the same time, they will be held in Australia, the host country of the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

"Unfortunately I think the three of us will be out of it," Thomas told BBC Wales.

"Where they fall in April is the wrong time for us. Luke and Owain will still have the cobblestone classics in Belgium, which will be their main target. At the end of the day, Team Sky pay us to race bikes for them and we've got to do what they say. Especially as it's in Australia, it's not like you can fly in and out over a weekend.

"In cycling you hardly get a chance to race for Wales so every chance you do get is amazing and you want to make the most of it. To come away with two medals and win the road race was unbelievable, and something I'll always consider one of my biggest victories."