Geraint Thomas has recently spoken about his cycling career to The Guardian newspaper, where he discussed the Classics, the Tour, what comes next for the Welshman and his new book, The World of Cycling According to G.

Thomas has always been talented, with lots of big wins and Olympic medals to prove it. But for many armchair fans, Thomas was not expected to be higher placed than Alberto Contador after 17 stages of the Tour de France. Despite surprising even himself, Thomas says he now believes he can win the Tour one day.

“I thought I might be up there at the thick end for a day or so,” Thomas says, “but to be there for so long was awesome. From day one I was never worrying about myself. I was always thinking about Froomey. So it definitely gave me the confidence that if I focus on it 100% as a back-up GC rider, behind Froomey, and be protected myself, I’ll have a real good goal for next year,” he told The Guardian.

“I certainly think it’s (winning the Tour) a lot more achievable than I did three months ago. If I keep on improving, commit to it totally, have a team around me, a podium is certainly realistic. And you’d aim to win it. You would be there or thereabouts – especially if the route was good for me. It’s certainly exciting.”

Thomas says that he believes the relationship he and two-time Tour winner Chris Froome have is much more dynamic than the one Froome had with Bradley Wiggins, with the duo not being able to race with each other. Thomas believes Sky will let him race for himself, but he believes that should he or Froome be stronger than the other, the weaker of the two would fully commit to helping the other.

We’re both honest enough to know that if the other guy is better we’d commit to each other. I certainly would and I’m pretty sure Chris would do as well. But it’s a tough one. It’s like the last Olympics and in the sprint you had [Chris] Hoy and [Jason] Kenny chasing one spot.”

Thomas is realistic. He knows he is 29 and coming into his peak years, but Froome is just one year older so Thomas knows his chances may be somewhat limited to win the Tour at Team Sky. He says he isn’t looking to move team’s, but he isn’t ruling the possibility out.

“I can’t see Froomey disappearing any time soon. My deal with Sky expires next year but at the moment I don’t want to leave for another team and be their leader because Sky is the best place to learn – and be in the best position to get a result. Maybe two years down the line I will feel: ‘I know exactly what I’m doing now, and exactly what it takes.’ If I have to leave then, then I would.”