Geraint’s inspiring triumph lights up country

A CAMPAIGN to turn post boxes yellow in Cardiff to mark Geraint Thomas' historic Tour de France win has been launched.

Staff at The Bikeshed in Pontcanna posted the suggestion on social media as “a bit of fun”, recalling the golden post box that commemorated Thomas' Olympic gold medal.

The idea quickly gained support and now the popular bike shop has contacted Cardiff council and Royal Mail to back the bid.

One of owners of The Bikeshed, John Higgins, said: “We are all enthusiastic cyclists and have been hanging on Thomas' achievements stage by stage.

“The yellow post box was an idea that has since received huge support on social media and we hope it will be taken up in Cardiff, and, maybe throughout Wales, to mark his historic win.”

Thomas effectively won the Tour de France after finishing third in the stage 20 time trial on Saturday.

A tweet by The Bikeshed has received thousands of likes and has been retweeted by hundreds of supporters, including MP for Cardiff West Kevin Brennan.

When the shop first thought of the idea they envisaged the post box in Cardiff's Conway Road but they say it could be anywhere.

John said: “It could be good to have it outside his old school in Whitchurch, or perhaps in Cardiff Bay, where visitors would see it.”

Olympian Geraint, 32, has visited The Bikeshed several times. John said: “It couldn't have happened to a nicer person. He's had a couple of repairs done in the shop and his dad is a customer here, too.”

WALES celebrated Geraint Thomas’ Tour de France victory in its own unique way... as these stunning photographs demonstrate.

Castles across the country were lit up in yellow, the colour of Thomas’ famous jersey, on Saturday night, as a show of special support for one of Welsh sport’s greatest achievements.

Cardiff City Hall was also illuminated for the evening.

Thomas, of course, comes from the Welsh capital and went to the same school as Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton.

The plan was for iconic landmarks to also be lit in yellow on last night, after Thomas’ celebrations in Paris on the final day of the tour.

“We are so proud of Geraint’s fantastic achievement we’ve decided to illuminate City Hall in yellow on Saturday and Sunday to mark this landmark victory for Welsh sport,” said Cardiff Council leader Huw Thomas.

“Geraint is a great ambassador for his home city and an inspiration to young people thinking of taking up a particular sport professionally, or for leisure.

“As many people will know, Geraint began to cycle competitively with the Maindy Flyers Cycling Club on the track at Maindy Leisure Centre here in Cardiff, and he is proof positive that with hard work, dedication, desire and good coaching it’s possible to reach the pinnacle of your sport.”