BBC Wales have been granted unprecedented access to 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas as they document the unfolding story of an athlete at the height of his powers.
Thomas will self-shoot part of new documentary – Geraint Thomas: Easy Rider – which will be broadcast on BBC One Wales and across the UK on BBC Two later this year.
The film will capture Thomas at the early stage of the 2019 season, following his endeavours in competition in Switzerland, plus training in France and Tenerife, as he physically and mentally prepares to return to Le Tour to defend his title.
Made by Cardiff-based Nimble Productions, who also gave viewers a candid account of the strain of life in the rugby union spotlight in Sam Warburton: Full Contact, this documentary promises to capture the grit, sweat, pain and passion it takes to pursue glory in the world’s most physically demanding road races.
Thomas will in part self-shoot the documentary, while cameras will capture all of his key moments and important races during the start of the 2019 season.
Interviews with Geraint and his family will tell the story of how his life has evolved from his hometown upbringing and the Maindy Velodrome in Cardiff to life as a champion cyclist living in Monaco, and taking on the toughest races all over the world.
Commenting on the BBC documentary, Geraint Thomas said:
“Last year was an absolutely phenomenal year for me. The support I received from the fans was just incredible. As this season gets underway I’m looking forward to sharing more of my story, and taking the audience with me as I prepare for the races ahead.”
Nick Andrew, BBC Cymru Wales head of commissioning, said:
“Geraint Thomas: Easy Rider will be a stunning portrait of an athlete at the top of his game. People know Geraint the humble, warm and witty man, but put him on a bike and he’s the ultimate warrior and a national treasure. This film will give our audiences extraordinary and privileged access to his preparation and dedication as he sets out to defend his Tour de France title.
“I can’t wait to see what the creative team at Nimble Productions do with this film. If it’s anything like their last epic Sam Warburton: Full Contact we’re in for a treat, and we can expect an amazing insight into one of the greatest sportsmen on the planet.”
BBC Two controller Patrick Holland added:
“We were gripped by last year’s Tour de France and Geraint Thomas’ triumph. This film offers amazing insight into the passion and sacrifice behind the yellow jersey from a new national hero.”
Geraint Thomas: Easy Rider will be broadcast later this year on BBC One Wales, as well as across the UK on BBC Two.
