Geraint back in the saddle... and back in Wales
GERAINT Thomas’ first race in Great Britain since been crowned Tour de France champion will start in Wales.
Thomas, who made history by becoming the first Welshman to win cycling’s most important event, will by joined in the Team Sky lineup at the OVO Energy Tour of Britain by Giro d’Italia winner Chris Froome.
The pair, who placed first and third in last month’s Tour de France, will both be on the start line at Pembrey Country Park, near Llanelli, on Sunday, September 2.
Stage one of the race is over 174km and passes through Carmarthen, Llandovery, Brecon, Abergavenny and Usk before tackling the notoriously steep Belmont Hill in Caerleon ahead of the finish in Newport.
“As soon as I’d finished the Tour I knew I wanted to ride the Tour of Britain and race on home roads,” said Thomas.
“It starts in Wales, which will be special, and then I get to go and race across the whole of the UK. I can’t wait.
“I want to go to the race in the shape to compete and enjoy it. We’ll have to see how the next few weeks go but I’m looking forward to it and I know we will have a strong team there.”
Thomas has ridden the Tour of Britain eight times and his best overall finish was sixth in 2009. He was the best British finisher in last year’s race, in seventh.
Froome’s previous participations in Britain’s flagship men’s event came in 2007 and 2009.
Since then he has established himself as the leading Grand Tour rider of his generation, having won four Tours de France, the 2017 Vuelta a Espana and this year’s Giro d’Italia.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve raced the Tour of Britain,” said Froome.
“The Vuelta a Espana has always been such a big goal and sadly coincided with the Tour of Britain, but not doing La Vuelta this year gives me the chance to come back to the UK and race on what looks like a great parcours (route).
“I’m really looking forward to riding. I always remember there being a great atmosphere at the Tour of Britain and the race has only got bigger over the years.”
Race director Mick Bennett said: “We’re honoured and thrilled Geraint and Chris will ride for Team Sky at this year’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
“To have two of Britain’s greatest ever riders - the reigning Tour de France and Giro d’Italia winners no less - competing in the race is fantastic news for our fans, who will line the streets in order to catch a glimpse of the heroes.
“We saw the amazing response that Geraint received during his homecoming celebrations in Cardiff last week.
“The fact that stage one takes place entirely within Wales means the whole country will be able to celebrate his incredible success in France from the summer.”