Geoff Thomas, Ex-Crystal Palace Star, Conquers Tour de France After Beating Cancer & Arthritis
Former Footballer Turns Cyclist Raises Money for Leukemia Research
Geoff Thomas, a former FA Cup-winning captain with Crystal Palace and nine-cap England international, is nearing his 61st birthday. Despite his age and previous health challenges, Thomas is currently completing his seventh Tour de France charity ride, cycling past iconic ski resorts like Courchevel. This impressive feat is even more remarkable considering he is a cancer survivor with two arthritic knees, consequences of his earlier football career.
Thomas first participated in the Tour in 2005, shortly after being diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, which led to a stem cell transplant. Since then, his rides have raised significant funds for Cure Leukemia, supporting drug development and clinical trials. Earlier this year, initial doubts about competing again arose due to severe arthritis in both knees. Fortunately, a new injection, Arthrosamid, allowed him to train pain-free, and he will finish the race in Paris after covering over two thousand miles.
Geoff Thomas, soon to be 61, continues his cycling journey to support leukemia research.
Weighing about 76kg—similar to his playing days—Thomas is proud of his endurance. He acknowledges the Tour’s brutal nature, especially the mountain climbs, but emphasizes his motivation: supporting Cure Leukemia, a cause championed by his partner, Professor Craddock, which gives hope to patients battling the disease.
Thomas appears as fit as ever, maintaining the same weight as during his football career.
An injury-plagued career, including cruciate injuries, led to arthritis in his knees, but a recent treatment has helped him train comfortably. His career highlights include captaining Crystal Palace in historic matches, and he remains a vocal supporter of the club’s future growth and stadium improvements.
Thomas captained Palace during their 1990 FA Cup final replay against Manchester United.
He believes moving to a larger, more modern stadium could help keep talented players like Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi at Palace, aiming for top-tier Premier League success. Despite ongoing challenges, including UEFA’s decision to relegate the club to the Conference League, Thomas remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing that patience and strategic planning are key to sustained success.