Reigning Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas has said he is 'confident that [cycling] is one of the cleanest sports around.'

Speaking before his first race of the 2019 season, the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, the Welshman said he feels fortunate to be competing at this 'great period' as supposed to 'the dark ages' when doping was rife.

Thomas also confirmed he will miss May’s Giro d’Italia to be in the best possible shape to defend his Tour title, having become the third Briton to win the race after Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.