Geraint Thomas, the Welsh cycling legend, took his final professional ride on Sunday afternoon, fittingly ending in his home city. As he cycled through familiar streets and past his old cycling club, thousands of spectators turned out to bid him farewell as he prepares to retire.
The Tour de France champion was competing in the last stage of the Tour of Britain, which poetically concluded in Cardiff, marking the end of a remarkable career for the 39-year-old, who is considered one of Wales’ greatest-ever sports stars.
As fans lined the streets, Thomas had his five-year-old son Macs on the handlebars, proudly waving the Welsh flag, as he received a hero’s welcome in the Welsh capital. Following his final ride, he celebrated with 4,000 supporters at Cardiff Castle, where free beer was distributed to those attending the ticketed event.
Addressing the crowd via microphone, he expressed his gratitude: “Thanks for coming!” He added: “With the weather I was thinking…the support has been nuts, seeing so many things of my face has been a bit freaky, but I appreciate it so much. Thank you, that’s all I can say.”
There was certainly an outpouring of affection for the Cardiff native. Spectator and cycle workshop owner Dave Hann told Wales Online: “Geraint is such a lovely guy, just a really nice bloke. From the age of nine he started here. Alan Davies coached him through along with all the kids at Maindy Flyers.
“When he is in town he visits Maindy. When I’m out on my bike and you see a guy in Sky kit, he’s always the first to wave. He’s a true gentleman and a true ambassador for Welsh people, Cardiff people and hopefully for Maindy Velodrome.
“I’ve seen my own children and many great cyclists like Nicole Cooke brought through there and Sir Chris Hoy raced here as a child. It’s not just about the elites, it’s also about grass roots cycling, kids and adults. It’s about living a healthier and better lifestyle.”
Another onlooker, Chris Lewis, declared: “Geraint is a legend, he’s done so much to represent Wales.
“He’s probably the greatest sportsman Wales has produced.
“To win the Tour de France is probably the peak achievement for any athlete, it’s such a physically ferocious challenge. He’s a local hero born and bred in Cardiff and he learnt his trade at Maindy Velodrome.”
Earlier in the day, the race came to a sudden stop when cows wandered across the route.