Team Sky: Geraint Thomas open-minded over future plans

Geraint Thomas won Olympic team pursuit gold in 2008 and 2012

Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas says he is open-minded about his future career plans.

Thomas, 29, is in the final months of his current Team Sky deal, having joined the British-based team when they were formed in 2010.

Team boss Sir Dave Brailsford has previously hinted Thomas could be given the chance to be a Grand Tour leader.

"Obviously I want the opportunities to try and win those big races, and I'm confident I'll get them," Thomas said.

"I'm in the best place to learn how to prepare and be ready to win a Grand Tour. I think it's perfect for my development."

Double Olympic track champion Thomas became the first British rider to win Belgium's formidable E3 Harelbeke race in March 2015.

In June 2015 he was second in the Tour de Suisse, finishing five seconds behind winner Simon Spilak.

The following month he finished a career-best 15th in the Tour de France, in which he supported team-mate and eventual winner Chris Froome.

Team principal Brailsford has said Thomas is ready to lead a cycling team after his performances at the 2015 Tour de France.

Cardiff-born Thomas is confident he can lead Team Sky in a future Grand Tour but would consider switching to another team to fulfil that ambition.

"If it came to the point where I felt I could compete for the win and being in the same team as Froome was going to jeopardise that, then yes, I would want to explore other options," Thomas added.

"At the same time I wouldn't just go to any random team that can't support you properly.

"I've been working under Dave Brailsford since I was 18 and it works."