Thomas staggered by Tour win reality
PARIS Thomas was in dreamland yesterday, becoming the first Welshman to win the Tour de France.
Eleven years after finishing 140th in his debut Tour, Thomas was standing on the Champs Elysees podium as the champion of the world’s biggest bike race.
Alexander Kristoff won the
Teams in both the junior and senior divisions took part in the round-robin competition, playing for the James Cook University Cup, with the senior division winners also taking home the giant cheque and $500.
The team dubbed JCU Crew claimed the seniors section of the tournament while Big Baller Brand, was triumphant most sought-after sprint stage of the race when he beat John Degenkolb and Arnaud Demare to the line in Paris after a late attack from Yves Lampaert threatened to spoil the sprinters’ party.
But it was Thomas who was on cloud nine. The affable Team Sky rider, who on Saturday broke down in tears during a TV interview, this time struggled to remember his teammates’ names, momentarily in the juniors division.
“Cairns Esplanade provides one of the best locations in Australia for beach netball, and this year’s competition took it to the next level,” Hardwick said.
“Spectators were treated with an exceptionally high level of talent from both the junior and senior divisions. forgot to thank his wife and finished with a mike drop.
“I’ve not got a good track record with speeches, so I’ll keep it short,” Thomas said.
But he paid special mention to teammate Chris Froome, Sky’s team leader who saw his hopes of a fifth Tour crown fade.
“I just want to say thanks to the team. Obviously the riders, Luke Rowe, Egan Bernal, Jonathan Castroviejo, I’m going to
“We can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year.”
Natasha Lyons was recognised as the most valuable player of the seniors tournament with Rachael Cannon, Claudia Philip and Tim Thorpe also in the top four.
Abigail Hughes won the junior MVP from Cooper Nancarrow, Jack Willis and Jake Priestly. forget them now. Froomey,” he said. “Big respect to Froomey. Obviously it could have gotten awkward, there could have been tension, but mate, you are a great champion. I always have respect for you and thanks a lot.
“Who else is in the team? It’s just, I’m pretty tired.”
Thomas, who came into the race as Froome’s deputy, took the yellow jersey in the first summit finish of the race – Juniors 1 – Big Baller Brand 2 – Saints 3 – Beach Babes Seniors 1 – JCU Crew 2 – Cutter 3 – A Team Has No Name Stage 11 – and didn’t let it go. Composed under pressure, whether on the road or off, he won two stages along the way and was a deserving winner.
The 32-year-old finished 1min 51sec ahead of Dutchman Tom Dumoulin and 2min 24sec up on Froome to complete the final podium.
“I got into cycling because of this race. I can remember running home from school to watch (it),” Thomas said. CAIRNS netballer Chantelle “Princess” Tikitau is gearing up to travel this week for the National Schoolgirls Championship.
Chantelle (pictured below) was selected into the Queensland Under-19s schoolgirls team.
This adds to her already amazing netball year, being selected in the Cook Islands open team, the Marlins State League team, in the QPL winning Cairns Under-18 Pythons team and also selected in the Under-18 Queensland country team.
Her hard work and determination has helped her to achieve these opportunities.
The Marlins are road tripping to Tully this Saturday to conduct free coaching clinics.
The clinics will be led by head coach of the Marlins Winnie Whatley and also players will get the opportunity to work with captain Chloe Freidericksen.
Any keen netballers in Innisfail or Tully please don’t miss this chance.
This Sunday will also see Cairns Netball Association host the Fowlers Cairns Junior Carnival.
Teams will enter the carnival from all over the Marlin Coast region.
Teams can be entered from Netta to Junior Division 1 (players 17 years and younger).
Astute and McDonalds Net Set Go Program will kick off this Tuesday and Saturday. Net Set Go is a program developed for our younger players aged 4-11 years.
Never played netball before? This is your chance for a free come-and-try week. Tuesdays 4.30-5.30pm and Saturdays 9-10am.