Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Thomas fulfils dream with Tour title
Kristoff wins final stage
PARIS, July 29, (AFP): Britain’s Geraint Thomas fulfilled his childhood dream by winning the Tour de France Sunday after the 21st and final stage won by Norway’s Alexander Kristoff.
Thomas, of Team Sky, finished the race in Paris with a near twominute lead on Dutch rival Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) to secure his first yellow jersey, with teammate and four-time and defending champion Chris Froome finishing third at 2:24.
“It’s still not sinking in, it’s incredible,” said Thomas, looking gaunt and tired after three weeks
Norway’s Alexander Kristoff celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 21st and last stage of the 105th edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Houilles and Paris Champs-Elysees on July 29.
(AFP)
of “suffering day-to-day” on the 105th edition.
The 32-year-old Welshman, the third Briton to win the race after Froome and Bradley Wiggins, secured Team Sky’s sixth victory in the race from the past seven editions.
“Big respect to Froomey,” he said. “It could have been awkward, there could have been tension ... he’s a great champion and I’ve always had respect for you.
“The dream was always to participate, and that dream came true 11 years ago. Now, up here, being in the yellow jersey in front of all of you (the crowd) is just ... wow.”
Thomas, known for having a beer while watching his favourite sport of rugby, was quick to grab a Welsh flag before he jumped on to the top step of the podium before listening to a rendition of God Save the Queen — the British national anthem.
“I started cycling because of this race. I remember running home from school to watch it,” said Thomas, who paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife Sara, who was emotional as she stood on the sidelines.
“The amount of support I’ve got ... ah, my wife. Big thanks to Sara. She’s