Prince of wheels
Delight as Thomas wins Tour de France
WELSH dragon Geraint Thomas proudly holds the flag aloft after roaring to victory in the Tour de France for the first time.
The 32-year-old punched the air as he crossed the finish line on the ChampsElysees in Paris and said: “It is just incredible. It is the stuff of dreams.
“It won’t really sink in for probably a few months. It is a whirlwind. I just seem to be floating around on cloud nine.”
The two-time Olympic champ, who lives in Monaco, became the third British cyclist to win the 2,000-mile Tour, following Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.
Thomas, an outsider at the start of the three-week event, got a well-earned hug from wife Sara Elen after completing his stunning victory yesterday.
Civic centres and landmarks across Wales, including Conwy Castle, basked in a yellow glow to match the colour of the race leader’s jersey.
Thomas, born and raised in Cardiff, has been praised by two other sporting heroes who also attended Whitchurch High School in the city.
Real Madrid footballer Gareth Bale, 29, said: “Incredible achievement from a TRIBUTE Conwy Castle is lit in yellow fellow Whitchurch High pupil.” Another ex-Whitchurch lad, former Wales and Lions rugby union captain Sam Warburton, also 29, tweeted: “Absolutely awesome. Thoroughly deserved, and couldn’t happen to a nicer guy #Legend”
Theresa May said: “A huge achievement that everyone in the UK can be proud of.” Jeremy Corbyn said: “The first Welshman to win it and Britain’s third. A fantastic achievement.”
Thomas’ family, including dad Howell, mum Hilary and brother Alun, have had many victories to cheer since he began on the road to greatness aged nine at the Maindy Flyers cycling club in Cardiff.
Supporters gathered at the club yesterday to watch on TV as he pedalled into history. But there was some disappointment in Wales that God Save the Queen was played at the presentation ceremony rather than Land of My Fathers.
Victory was sweet for Thomas after serious falls in past Tours. His Sky teammate Froome finished third.