91Èȱ¬

Geraint Thomas says Team Sky team-mate and fellow Welshman Luke Rowe is finally fulfilling his potential.

Rowe was eighth in the Paris-Roubaix and helped Chris Froome to third at the Tour of Romandie.

The 25-year-old is hoping to win a place in Team Sky's line-up alongside Thomas for the Tour de France, which starts on 4 July.

"He has really stepped up," double Olympic champion Thomas told 91Èȱ¬ Wales Sport.

"We've been talking about him for a few years now. He's a strong rider and he's really started to fulfil that promise.

"I grew up riding with him, been round his house as a 12-year-old.

"It's strange now that we're lining up to do races like Paris-Nice and maybe even the Tour together."

Rowe has said he does not want to compete on the track at next year's Olympic Games in Rio, with the Cardiff-born rider favouring the road.

British Cycling's technical director Shane Sutton wants Rowe to be part of the pursuit team in Brazil

"I'll stick with what I know and where I love which is the road for the time being," said Rowe.

"I think if I was to go on the track, it doesn't really inspire me that much."