Geraint Thomas
The Sigma Sports Cafe Ride
Video is unable to play due to Privacy Settings.
Adjust your Cookie Preferences to Opt-in "YES" to "Functional Cookies".
Fresh from his recent retirement party, Geraint Thomas welcomes Matt Stephens to ‘Cardiff’ for perhaps the most laid back Sigma Sports Café Ride yet!
After a blistering multi-disciplinary career both road racing and on the track, G’s palmares places him as one of the greatest riders of all time - so it’s a wonder how Matt nearly misses his impressive trophy collection.
Out on the road, it’s an easy short ride for two guys with their racing days behind them, as they discuss what the future holds without breaking a sweat. In fact, the very definition of a ‘café ride’ is truly tested when the pair order piña coladas and relax on sun loungers in what looks suspiciously like the Cote d’Azur sunshine.
The route
High up above the bustle of Monaco, Geraint Thomas took Matt on one of his favourite loops, towards Nice, before dropping down into the seaside town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer for a much needed beverage at Baia Bella. A sun-drenched beach cafe, this was the perfect stop after a hot spin in the hills.
Matt used the fantastic Garmin Edge 850 GPS cycling computer to navigate this route.
The bike
Geraint Thomas, his INEOS Grenadiers team and a certain bike brand going by the name of Pinarello have all had a longstanding relationship, so when it came to deciding on a bike for Matt to ride for this episode, it was an easy decision.
Built for long days in the saddle, the Pinarello X7 is the perfect workhorse, providing comfort but also performance by the bucket load, a winning recipe for a cafe ride.
This cutting-edge frame is paired with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and MOST Ultrafast Carbon wheels and is finished with Pirelli P7 Sport tyres.
The tech
Staying on track when riding with a former Tour de France winner is of paramount importance and as such Matt enlisted the help of Garmin to keep him locked on to the Welsh superstar's wheel. From the feature packed Garmin Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED GPS watch to the Garmin Edge 850 GPS cycling computer and Garmin Rally RS210 dual sided power meter pedals, Mr Stephens was equipped to keep tabs on his performance and navigate the roads of the Cote d'Azur.
The kit
Monaco and the surrounding area is renowned for its sophistication and class and Matt Stephens' kit ensemble was equally as stylish, thanks in no small part due to Q36.5, QUOC, Kask and SunGod all kitting Matt out in their finest wears for this episode of the Sigma Sports Cafe Ride.
Q36.5's Dottore Pro range was ideal for the heat, while the Kask Elemento helmet, in a limited edition Cloudy Sunset colourway kept him well ventilated on the climbs.
Keeping the sun's rays at bay, SunGod Vulcans sunglasses were a fine addition, as were the pearly white Quoc M3 Air cycling shoes.
Want to explore the series? Find out about the other Sigma Sports Cafe Ride guests and watch all the episodes.