Welsh great Geraint Thomas has confirmed that he will be retiring this year.

Thomas has enjoyed a stellar career, spanning almost two decades, that saw him pick up two Olympic gold medals, three World Championship titles and the revered Tour de France - the crowning jewel of cycling.

The INEOS Grenadiers man is now 38, and will aim to take part in another Tour de France this summer, but insists he'll be playing a supportive role for the team, "maybe try to win a stage but just enjoy the race".

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Taking to Instagram to address his impending retirement, Thomas wrote: "Thought it was time we made it official. Yes, this will be my last year in the peloton.

"It’s not been a bad run, eh? Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being a pro for 19 years. There’ll be lots of time to reflect but, before then, I’ve got some big races to prep for."

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Thomas said he's looking forward to heading back to Cardiff with his family. He said: "This is my 19th year as a professional and I didn't want to do one year too many and be the grumpy guy in the team.

"I'm still really enjoying it, I still feel competitive and the last year has been good, but I think the timing's right. With my family, I'm looking forward to moving back to Cardiff.

"There's stuff I think I'll miss, the racing, being here in Monaco, but it will be nice just to be around more and to take on a new challenge."

Touching on his future, Thomas added that he'd be keen to do an Ironman once he's called it a day. "Having options is always good," he added. "I need a purpose. Since I was about 17 or 18, I've always been working towards a goal.

"To not be working towards anything would be nice for maybe a month, then I'll just go crazy, so I'll definitely have to have some goals.

"I want to do an Ironman. I only run two or three times a year, so that's something that needs a bit of work! It's about challenging myself in different ways."

Once the Tour de France has been completed, Thomas is hoping to conclude his career with the Tour of Britain in September. It has not yet been confirmed, but it is possible for the closing stage to be held in Cardiff - his hometown.

"It would be epic if that happens. I haven't really thought about it much, but when I do start thinking about it, it's going to be emotional. Maybe I'll shed a tear or two," added Thomas.

"It would be some way to finish, whether it's Cardiff or wherever, the Tour of Britain as the final race. It's full circle, isn't it? Finishing my career back home."