Wales has produced many outstanding sportspeople who have achieved national and international success, particularly in high-profile sports such as football, rugby, athletics, cricket, golf and swimming.
Inspirational and Thought-Provoking
For competitors in less popular sports, however, recognition does not always attract the same media attention. In According To G, Geraint Thomas offers an inspirational and thought-provoking account of how minority sport can reach headline status, telling the autobiographical story of how a “skinny kid” from Whitchurch in Caerdydd (Cardiff) became a world-renowned cyclist.
Geraint’s achievements include winning the Tour de France, two Olympic gold medals, the Commonwealth Games road race, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2018 and an MBE. He was the first Welshman to win the Tour de France and famously conquered Alpe d’Huez, a truly iconic moment in cycling history. His success put Wales firmly on the world sporting map and even encouraged commentators to pronounce “Geraint” correctly.
National Identity
He also reflects on the complexities of national identity, recalling that in early competitions he could only gain selection as “English”. While he expresses pride in being British, he makes clear that “I’m not English”, noting the strong sense of Welsh identity that shaped his upbringing and sporting mindset.
The book explores the early influences that developed his determination and resilience, particularly the support of his family, teachers at Whitchurch High School and the cycling club at Maindy Stadium in Cardiff. It was there that Geraint’s passion for competitive cycling took hold, despite the sport not being considered “cool” at the time. Watching the Tour de France on Eurosport inspired him with the drama of sprint finishes, mountain climbs and breathtaking scenery.
He describes tough early training rides as a teenager and the mindset he developed, believing there was no failure when there was always something to learn. His professional career brought new challenges, including harsh treatment in the peloton, self-doubt and finishing near the back of the field in his first Tour de France. These experiences highlight the psychological demands of elite sport and the resilience required to progress.
Powerful Reflections
Working closely with co-author Tom Fordyce, Geraint offers powerful reflections on teamwork, ambition and personal growth. He recalls the satisfaction of supporting teammates such as Mark Cavendish, which fuelled his own drive to succeed. The narrative also explores injuries, contract uncertainty and the difficult balance between friendship and the business of professional sport.
Overall, According To G is an absorbing and motivational account of a young cyclist from Caerdydd who rose to the very top through determination, resilience and true grit. It offers valuable lessons for students, aspiring athletes and anyone facing setbacks, reminding readers that while life is not always fair, perseverance remains essential.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Grit, Gears and Global Success“. Click here for more of John’s book reviews.
Author: John Morris for Love Wrexham Magazine
John is an FA coach. He has worked with young players at Fulham, Chelsea, QPR and Wrexham, promoting resilience, tenacity and self-discipline. He is currently a consultant addressing growth mindsets to promote sports, education, and business performance.
