“Could See the Smoke” – 37-Year-Old Welsh Cyclist Conquers 12,200-Foot Volcanic Summit of Mount Teide

Etching adventures beyond his cycling career, Welsh icon Geraint Thomas recently made headlines in a collaborative tour. Joining hands with his teammates from the Ineos Grenadiers crew, this 37-year-old saddleback maestro was spotted scaling the volcanic terrains of Mount Teide. Summiting the towering elevation of 12,000 feet, his bold ventures raised eyebrows among sporting fans. 

With the cycling courses of Giro d’Italia nearby, Thomas sparked buzz when he set the stage for an ambitious season ahead. While eyeing his podium spot at the upcoming Tour de France, the 2018 champion noted the special allure of climbing in Tenerife’s peaks. Days after disclosing his future aspirations, he embarked on this ascent of 3,718 meters to the summit, traveling alongside his Ineos colleagues. 

Welsh cycling professional joins audacious climbing trip

Venturing into Tenerife’s National Park, the Ineos cycling professionals marked a dream team in climbing ordeals. With notable members including Thymen Arensman, Jonathan Castroviejo, and Carlos Rodríguez, Thomas showcased true passion for unfamiliar adventures. While the crew’s new signing Tobias Foss also joined them, the group noted trekking for consistent hours.

Conquering a feat that only few dared to attempt, the cycling professional recalled facing challenges at the volcanic peak. While riding on a cable car to the station at 3,555 meters was usually a common choice for tourists, the Ineos crew went far beyond as they witnessed all surrounding elements. 

Remembering the panoramic views of Gran Canaria, La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera, Thomas shared details from the trip. In a candid revelation, the cycling icon mentioned battling the calima winds that impacted his tour, sweeping dust from African lands. 

Expressing glee in his historic success, Thomas highlighted, “I wanted to see bubbling hot lava”, while continuing, “It is a dormant volcano, but you could see the smoke and sulphur.” Adding details on the pungent odor, the cycling professional also noted the volcano’s dormant phase has been recorded for over 100 years. 

Saddleback icon with versatile skills in extreme sports

Despite passing the due date, Thomas recalled visiting the peak in 2011, claiming, “Luckily, I think I’ll be retired by the time it decides to blow up.” With 13 years in the making, the trip became another testament to his sheer determination. 

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Preparing for the upcoming tournaments in cycling, Thomas’s mountainous escapade became much more than just a picturesque interlude. Signifying the Ineos Grenadiers team’s collective resilience, the venture also displayed a preview of their dedicated efforts for the races ahead. 

Crashing out of both the Tour and Giro games in 2017, he now seemed determined to rewrite this narrative. Revealing further insights during an Ineos Grenadiers live stream session, Thomas revealed his cycling dreams for the double tournaments. 

While these statements added an electrifying dimension to the upcoming season, his conversation with Matt Stephens reflected on his early training in Tenerife. Savoring the sunny weather and salty jersey, it marked a delay from the usual arrival days in February. 

While the cycling journey ahead for Geraint Thomas included the Volta ao Algarve, he kicked off his Giro preparations, finding solace in the climbing spectacle. Hoping to navigate the Volta a Catalunya and a Sierra Nevada altitude camps, he also aimed for the Tour of the Alps and a showdown with UAE player Tadej Pogačar. 

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