Seventh Tour de France
For Geoff Thomas, every pedal stroke is proof that hope, cutting-edge science and unbreakable determination can carry you from the darkest diagnosis to the grandest finish line, turning personal battles into a global rallying cry for change.
Canada
In 2003, just a year after retiring from professional football, Geoff Thomas, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (a form of blood cancer) and was given just three months to live. However, after receiving a stem cell transplant from his sister Kay and undergoing treatment from Professor Charlie Craddock CBE, co-founder of Cure Leukaemia, Geoff entered remission in January 2005. This life-saving treatment has motivated him to give back, dedicating himself to raising awareness and funds for blood cancer patients across the globe.
In May 2025, Geoff Thomas announce he will ride the Tour de France, 20 years since he first completed the iconic 21 stages. He will be raising vital funds for Cure Leukaemia, a cause close to his heart having overcome chronic myeloid leukaemia himself twenty years ago.
Pre-Tour
Thomas’ journey to the starting line has been marred with injury setbacks and debilitating knee pain, yet thanks to the innovative hydrogel injection Arthrosamid®, his knee osteoarthritis pain is under control, and he is back in training ready to conquer one of cycling’s most iconic courses.
Since receiving treatment, Geoff Thomas is ready to embark on his first Tour 21 a few months later to raise money for continuing research into the disease, with Thomas estimating that each edition has helped to raise more than £1m for Cure Leukaemia.
Geoff Thomas completed a ride to Paris in 2025 as part of his training for the seventh Tour 21 challenge, riding the Tour de France route to raise money for Cure Leukaemia, The challenge involved cycling all 21 stages of the Tour de France, starting a week before the professional riders, and finishing in Paris in July.
Starts
Saturday 28th June
Duration
21 days, covering over 3,500km
Conclusion
Expected to finish Sunday, July 20 2025, in Paris
This ride sees a team of amateur cyclists, including Geoff Thomas, take on the full route of the Tour de France one week ahead of the professionals. It marks Geoff's seventh time undertaking this challenge, celebrating 20 years since he first completed the Tour de France route for charity.
Today: Day 15
Date
12.07.2025
Starts
Muret
Terrain
Hilly
Distance
169
Former Crystal Palace and England midfielder Geoff Thomas to take on Tour de France challenge again for charity
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Geoff Thomas returns to take on the Tour de France challenge for seventh time
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Geoff Thomas returns to take on the Tour de France challenge for seventh time
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Geoff Thomas returns to take on the Tour de France challenge for seventh time
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Cup final captain Thomas gets back on his bike to fight cancer
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Crystal Palace hero Geoff Thomas went from beating leukaemia to riding Tour de France route
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Getting to Paris is like that moment you're told you're in remission' - Geoff Thomas to attempt Tour de France route for seventh time with Tour21
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Intrepid Geoff Thomas geared up for another crack at Tour de France route
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Geoff's incredible Tour de France triumph
GEOFF THOMAS will cycle into Paris on Sunday completing a staggering SEVENTH Tour de France spanning 2,074 miles.
The 60-year-old former Crystal Palace star was marking the 20th anniversary of his first appearance at the event just months after he miraculously beat blood cancer.
Thomas is raising funds for Cure Leukaemia, founded by Prof Charlie Craddock, who helped save his life.
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Former Crystal Palace and England star Geoff Thomas, 60, conquers Tour de France stage after beating cancer and arthritis - and urges his old club to build new stadium
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Podcast - Geoff Thomas MBE - England Footballer, Cancer Survivor & Tour de France Finisher
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The tour at 60? unbelievable, Geoff
Geoff Thomas Four Four Two
Arthrosamid® is a first in-class synovial implant delivered as a single, delivered as a single, minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia with ultrasound guidance. It provides significant reduction in knee OA pain over a longer period with one single treatment. Arthrosamid® integrates within the tissue lining of your knee joint, softening and increasing the elasticity of this tissue leading to clinically proven decreased joint stiffness and pain, and improved knee function.
Cure Leukaemia was established in 2003 to allow patients with blood cancer to access remarkably effective new treatments which were then becoming available. Since inception, Cure Leukaemia has expanded and are now able to offer life-saving treatment to patients across the UK. This support drives global significant advancements in blood cancer, impacting those affected by the disease worldwide.
Help Geoff reach his fundraising goal, by donating now to Cure Leukaemia on JustGiving.
