Le Tour OF beauty
Thomas to be crowned champ in Paris
Geraint Thomas was in dreamland last night after all but securing Tour de France glory.
The Welshman just has to stay on his bike in today’s f inal- stage procession into Paris to become only the third British winner of the race, joining Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.
He will carry a lead of one minute and 51 seconds into the last day after dropping just 14 seconds to nearest rival Tom Dumoulin in yesterday’s time trial. Dumoulin won stage 20 by one second from Froome.
The four-time winner is third overall and heading for another podium finish but the day will belong to fellow Team Sky rider Thomas. The 32-year-old wiped away tears and said: “I can’t believe it. I’m welling up.
“It is just overwhelming. I didn’t think about it all race and suddenly I won the Tour.
“It’s just incredible. I believed I could beat the guys here but to do it on the biggest stage of all over three weeks, it’s insane.
“The last time I cried was when I got married and I don’t know what’s happened to me.”
Thomas was embraced by his wife Sara and Team Sky chief Sir Dave Brailsford at the finish. Brailsford said: “To have a little bit of support in helping people achieve their dreams is why we do it really.
“It’s a very powerful and very rewarding thing to be involved in. Chris has achieved many of his dreams and to see Geraint achieve his at this time, in this particular race, is really quite moving.”
Messages of congratulations poured in for the hugely popular Thomas. Wiggins said online: “Wow! A truly amazing athlete.”
Fellow British rider Mark Cavendish added: “Not one that knows @GerainThomas86 doesn’t know how much he deserves this. His loyalty and work ethic is something to aspire to in life, not just cycling. So proud of you, mate.”