Geraint Thomas Ends Stellar Cycling Career with Triumphant Farewell in Cardiff
Tour de France and Olympic champion Geraint Thomas concluded his career with a special final stage of the Tour of Britain, ending in Cardiff where thousands lined the streets to honour him.
A fitting farewell route
The final Tour of Britain stage on Sunday marked Welsh cyclist Geraint Thomas’ retirement with a 551-mile homage to his career. Starting at the Geraint Thomas Velodrome in Newport, the route climbed familiar hills, passed his childhood home in Whitchurch, the pub of his first pint, and the Maindy Flyers club where he began competitive riding.
An emotional finish
Crossing the line in Cardiff, the 39-year-old admitted he was moved by the crowd’s support. Riding alongside longtime teammate Ben Swift and embraced by his young son Macs and wife Sara, Thomas paused to soak in the moment. “Riding through Birchgrove and seeing all those fans, I was almost choking up,” he said.
His family, who have been with him through crashes and triumphs, joined thousands of spectators along the course. From Suffolk to south Wales, fans donned cut-out Thomas masks, handed out Welsh cakes and even celebrated with road graffiti.
Legacy of a champion
With two Olympic golds, three world titles, a Commonwealth gold and the coveted 2018 Tour de France win, Thomas has one of the most decorated careers in cycling. His final lap ended at Cardiff Castle, where he rode in with his children and young Maindy riders, greeted by thousands enjoying a special brew in his honour. As a choir sang under the castle turrets, sunshine capped a grand farewell befitting a king of the road.
Thomas’ last ride through iconic hometown landmarks underscored the deep connection between the champion and his supporters, closing out a career defined by world titles, Olympic glory and Tour de France triumph.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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