An ‘emotional wringer’ for victor’s in-laws
GERAINT Thomas’ in-laws have revealed the stomach-churning worry his family have been through tracking his Tour de France heroics, writes Andy Howell.
While the cycling world, and Wales especially, has marvelled and celebrated as the Welshman’s extraordinary triumph has unfolded, for Eifion and Beth Thomas, mum and dad to the champion’s wife Sara, the experience has been altogether more challenging.
Sara turned up unexpectedly at the finish line of Saturday’s 31km time-trial in Espelette which, when he crossed safely, all but confirmed her husband’s glory.
But Eifion and Beth revealed fear for Thomas’ safety stops her – and them – from watching many of his races. They admitted they go through the emotional wringer – and have done more than ever these last two weeks.
“During Friday’s final stage in the mountains we sat on our bed for the final two hours with no television, no radio and no internet,” Beth told WalesOnline en route to Paris on Sunday morning.
“Until we got a call we didn’t know what had happened in the stage.
“Sara went out on the last rest day but went home and only went out for the time trial. She doesn’t watch either until she knows he’s safe.
“I watched it (the time-trial) and thought “oh my God” when he had a wobble and slide.
“It has been stressful and emotional these past few weeks. I’ve had knots in my stomach. Anything can happen, as Geraint knows.
“That’s why he has been taking it stage by stage.”
Eifion concurred adding: “I don’t usually watch a stage of the Tour live. We will watch the highlights if we know he’s finished safely.
“But I did watch the last 4km of yesterday’s time trial.
“Ninety per cent of people interested in sport know what the yellow jersey is and they have been coming up to us saying how well Geraint has done.
“They all seem to know about it. So many who didn’t have a previous interest in cycling have been following and willing him on.
“When he’s on the top spot of the podium on the Champs-Élysées, it’s going to be special.”
Beth emphasised just what an emotional character her son-in-law is, something that was clear on Saturday afternoon when he broke down during a live television interview after completing the race.
She said: “I will be interested to hear his winning speech because he’s quite emotional.
“He couldn’t say the vows at his wedding with being overcome by emotion! What he’s done in the Tour hit him yesterday.
“It’s just absolutely amazing. We knew he had the ability to do it but it’s very surreal saying our sonin-law has actually won the Tour de France.
“He has worked so hard for it and deserves every moment of glory and for his wife and our daughter Sara it’s been emotional.
“She goes through it every time he races. They have a fantastic life but it’s very demanding.”