Team Sky (United Kingdom) - Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas has agreed a new deal with Team Sky.

The 32-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Team, extending his stay until the end of the 2021 season.

Speaking exclusively to TeamSky's Website in the wake of agreeing his new deal, a delighted Thomas said: “I’m pleased it’s sorted – and delighted to be staying with the team.

“It’s been a great journey for me with Team Sky and obviously the last few months have been crazy.

“It’s working really well for me here and I’m excited about what’s still to come.”

Having joined the Team in 2010, Thomas has been a mainstay ever since, and admits he ‘feels at home’ with Team Sky.

“It really is one big happy family where my relationship with Team Sky is concerned, so I couldn’t be more delighted,” he said.

“I feel at home with the Team. I’ve known Dave (Brailsford), Rod (Ellingworth) and Fran (Millar) for years, since I was 17, so it’s great that I’ll be continuing to work alongside those guys and the rest of the Team.”

Upon signing his new deal, Thomas was keen to pay tribute to the Team Sky fans, who have backed him ‘every step of the way’ in his time with the Team.

“From when I first started this journey in 2010, the Team Sky fans have been amazing with me,” he said.

“Their support has been phenomenal and grows year by year – they’re the best supporters around.

“I can’t speak highly enough of them – both in terms of their support when we’re on the road and via social media. They’ve backed me every step of the way and it’s massively appreciated.”

2018 has been Thomas’ finest season to date – winning the prestigious Critérium du Dauphiné in June, and then taking the victory in the Tour de France. In doing so he became the first Welshman to win the event and only the third British rider after Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.

Team Sky Team Principal, Sir Dave Brailsford, believes Thomas will continue to go from strength-to-strength with the Team over the coming years, adding: “What Geraint has achieved with this team is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a brilliant story.

“He’s been with us since the start of our journey and he’s continued to develop and improve year-after-year. He’s worked tirelessly for such a long time to improve. He’s made sacrifices to get to the top of the sport – and it’s all proved to be worth it.

“He’s never looked too far ahead. He’s always had his goals. His first road goals were geared towards the Classics, where he performed very well and got some great results. Then he decided to shift towards being a Grand Tour rider. He did the week-long stage races and then stepped up towards Grand Tours in support of the other guys.

“Winning the Dauphiné earlier this year gave him the belief and determination that he could win the Tour de France and it’s all credit to him. He just keeps on improving through commitment and hard work and now he’s at the very top table as a Tour de France winner.

“He’s achieved his dream of winning the Tour, but there’s so much more ahead for him. He has the pride, passion and commitment to continue to go from strength-to-strength and we’re delighted that it’ll be with us.”