Benjamin Thomas

Benjamin Thomas is a French professional racing cyclist who competes on both the track and the road for the UCI WorldTeam Groupama–FDJ. Renowned for his powerful and consistent efforts against the clock, he has secured multiple world titles on the velodrome while also achieving significant success in road time trials. His dual discipline prowess has made him a key figure for the French national cycling team in major competitions like the UCI Track Cycling World Championships and the Olympic Games.

Early life and education

Born in Béziers in the Hérault department, Thomas grew up in the Occitania region of southern France. He initially participated in various sports before focusing on cycling during his adolescence, joining the AVC Aix-en-Provence development team. He balanced his athletic development with his studies, eventually moving to Aix-en-Provence to further both his education and his cycling career under the guidance of the French cycling federation's development structures.

Cycling career

Thomas turned professional in 2017 with the Groupama–FDJ continental squad, quickly integrating into the team's track endurance program. On the track, he specialized in the individual pursuit and madison, earning his first elite medal at the 2018 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Apeldoorn. His road career progressed in parallel, with him serving as a strong domestique and time trial specialist for leaders like Thibaut Pinot and David Gaudu in races such as the Tour de France and the Critérium du Dauphiné.

Major achievements

His breakthrough came at the 2020 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Berlin, where he won the gold medal in the individual pursuit. He added a second world title in the madison at the 2023 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Glasgow, partnering with Donavan Grondin. On the road, he claimed the prestigious French national time trial championship in Loudéac, defeating riders like Rémi Cavagna. Other notable results include a stage win at the Tour du Poitou-Charentes and multiple medals at the European Track Championships.

Personal life

Thomas maintains a relatively private life outside of competition. He is known to be based in the south of France during the offseason. His dedication to the demanding schedule of a dual-discipline athlete is widely noted within the peloton, and he has spoken about the specific challenges of transitioning between the technical demands of track racing and the endurance required for the UCI WorldTour.

Legacy and honors

Benjamin Thomas is regarded as one of the most successful French track cyclists of his generation and a pioneer in maintaining a high level in both professional road and track cycling. His world championship victories have placed him among notable French pursuers like Florian Rousseau and Grégory Baugé. In recognition of his achievements, he was selected to represent France at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo in both the madison and the omnium events. His continued success inspires a new cohort of French endurance riders aiming for success at events like the UCI Nations Cup and future Olympic Games. Category:1995 births Category:Living people Category:Sportspeople from Béziers Category:French male cyclists Category:French track cyclists Category:Olympic cyclists of France Category:Groupama–FDJ cyclists