Arsene Wenger joins list of stars ringing Geraint
TOUR de France winner Geraint Thomas has revealed how his phone hasn’t stopped ringing since making history over the weekend.
History was made on Sunday as Thomas was crowned Tour de France champion.
The 32-year-old, from Cardiff, capped off one of the finest sporting achievements ever produced by a Welshman when he crossed the line victorious in Paris.
And the huge Arsenal fan has revealed he has been inundated with messages of support since then – even receiving a call from former Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, who congratulated him on his success.
He told BBC Breakfast: “I spoke to Arsene Wenger on the phone. I’m an Arsenal fan, so that was just insane, to be speaking to him on the phone while sitting in the airport.”
And it’s not just Wenger who has been in touch.
“I had video messages off Dan Carter, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher. It’s just been insane but amazing,” he said.
But one question left him stumped, when he was asked about Whitchurch High School – the school Thomas attended along with Real Madrid and Wales ace Gareth Bale and former Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton.
Presenter Dan Walker asked him: “If Steven Spielberg was directing a film about the three of you, who would play you?”
After a few seconds’ pause, he admitted he “wasn’t good with actors names” and that “all he could think of was Mr Bean”.
A few hours later, Thomas took part in a Q&A on Facebook Live, where he told thousands of people that he would be returning to his home city of Cardiff, where discussions are being held over how to celebrate the historic achievement.
“I’ve heard they are looking to plan something. It will certainly be special and I’m looking forward to going back,” he said.
On Sunday, Thomas was quick to grab a Welsh flag before celebrating on the podium after the race, before a rendition of God Save the Queen was played.
Asked on Facebook Live if he was upset God Save the Queen was played instead of the Welsh national anthem, he said: “I’m honoured to represent Wales and Great Britain,” adding: “They could have played both.”
Meanwhile, Royal Mail has said there are “no plans” to paint a postbox yellow to mark the historic win.
A campaign to turn postboxes yellow in Cardiff for Thomas’ victory received strong support on social media.
Staff at The Bike Shed in Pontcanna posted the suggestion on social media as “a bit of fun” recalling the golden postbox that commemorated Thomas’ Olympic gold medal.
The idea quickly gained thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, but Royal Mail said it has no plans to paint a postbox yellow.
A spokesman said: “Royal Mail extends its congratulations to Geraint Thomas for winning the 2018 Tour de France. We have no plans to paint a postbox to mark his Tour de France win.”
Thomas has a gold post box on Castle Street in the city centre, to mark his gold medal at the 2012 Olympics for the cycling track men’s team pursuit.
John Higgins, director of The Bike Shed, said: “Obviously we are disappointed and given the thousands of people who expressed their support we are also surprised.
“The Royal Mail have suggested that gold letter boxes were created for a unique occasion and if that is so surely a Welshman winning the Tour is also unique.
“The idea to place a new yellow box in Cardiff Bay at the start of the Taff Trail and perhaps another box in Brecon where thousands of visitors and cyclists could create magic moments would surely cost very little and would probably be sponsored.
“I’m sure if the Royal Mail reconsidered it would be appreciated by many people.”