Geraint Thomas has agreed a new three-year deal to stay with Team Sky until 2021.

The Cardiff-born rider had been linked with other teams after becoming the first Welshman to win the Tour de France in July.

But Thomas has opted to stay with the team he has been with since its formation in 2010 with the confirmation coming on the final day of the Tour of Britain.

Another 3 years Dave @TeamSky pic.twitter.com/zqYGbJhBJn

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) September 9, 2018

The 32-year-old 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.

“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.”

Thomas paid tribute to the fans who have backed him throughout his eight year spell with Team Sky.

“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.”

Thomas could have had his pick of teams after his stellar 2018 which also saw him win the Critérium du Dauphiné also becoming only the third Brit to win the world’s greatest cycle race.

But he has opted to stay with Sky and will surely have been assured that he will get the chance to go for more Grand Tour glory in 2019 having been a loyal support rider for Chrisd Froome before his Yellow Jersey success.

“What Geraint has achieved with this team is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a brilliant story,” said Sky’s Welsh team boss Dave Brailsford..

“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.”