Geraint Thomas's pursuit of road race success after London 2012

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From left: Ed Clancy, Steven Burke, Peter Kennaugh and Geraint Thomas
Image caption,

Geraint Thomas (far right) was the first Welsh athlete to win gold medals in back-to-back Olympics since 1972

Cyclist Geraint Thomas - the first Welsh athlete to win Olympic gold at London 2012 - has told the BBC his plans for the future.

After the Games the 26-year-old wants to focus on road racing and take that "as far as I can".

He has also set his sights set on the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Thomas, from Cardiff, and his three team-mates stormed to victory over Australia in the men's pursuit in the Velodrome in a world record time.

Asked if he wanted to take part in future Olympic games, Thomas said: "Definitely - without a doubt.

"I'll concentrate on the road for the next few years. I want to take that as far as I can."

Looking back on his win on Friday night at the velodrome, Thomas paid tribute to the fans.

"The buzz you get as an athlete when you walk into the stadium.

Pressure

Image caption,

Double-Olympic champion Geraint Thomas wants to take road racing "as far" as he can

"The sound seems to bounce around - it gave us a nice buzz to be there, for sure.

"All of us were in great shape - it's nice and warm in there which makes a difference, all the world records set in there, it's incredible."

Thomas said there was more pressure going into the London Games than there had been before Beijing in 2008.

"There was more pressure this time, more people were aware of cycling than before Beijing and this one was completely different. To deal with all that and produce the goods was really satisfying."

Thomas said falling ill the week before the race knocked his confidence temporarily.

"We just wanted to get out there and, hopefully, no one would go faster."

He said winning gold was the result of years of dedication.

"It's what we have been dreaming of, to finally stand and get that medal around your neck, it's what you have dreamt of."

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