Thousands lined the streets of Cardiff on Thursday to welcome home Wales’ cycling superstar and Tour De France winner Geraint Thomas.
The Cardiff-born cyclist was given a hero’s welcome at an event staged along St Mary Street and outside Cardiff Castle.
The Tour de France winner and Olympic Gold medallist lead a peloton of young riders from Welsh Cycling accredited go-ride clubs up St Mary Street to Castle Street before taking to a stage in the castle moat where he will speak to the crowds.
#WelcomeHomeG @GeraintThomas86 #TDF2018 #Champion – #Thankyou #Cardiff pic.twitter.com/Ug0fK8kFei
— Cardiff Council (@cardiffcouncil) August 9, 2018
The ride up St Mary Street took place after a short public appearance at the Senedd steps with the First Minister and the Presiding Officer.
An overwhelming response from Cardiff and Wales:
Great scenes in #Cardiff. Fave climb – Caerphilly Mountain. G’s bar coming soon! When’s the last time you sang the national anthem on a Cardiff street? Amazing. #WelcomeHomeG#CroesoAdreG pic.twitter.com/csMjjAzaRC
— I Loves The ‘Diff (@ILovesTheDiff) August 9, 2018
Forget the mic drop….
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The young welsh riders welcoming back Geraint Thomas in Cardiff last night:
G’s HomeComing| Well Done to all our Young Riders that took part today. You did a fantastic job and did your clubs, parents, @WelshCycling and the young population of cycling very proud! #DaIawn #WelcomeHomeG pic.twitter.com/Prwtvq1byr
— WelshCyclingYA's (@WelshCyclingYAs) August 9, 2018
Geraint welcomed the event and said:
“I’ve been blown away by the support since the Tour de France – from everyone, but especially the Welsh public.
‘It’s such an incredible honour and I’m so grateful to everyone involved in helping put this event on.”
Born in Birchgrove and educated at Whitchurch High School, Geraint began to cycle at the age of 10 for the Maindy Flyers Cycling Club. Since then he has won three World Championships; two Olympic gold medals; and now has won the most prestigious cycling race in the world – the Tour de France.
Geraint Thomas is the first Welshman to win the Tour de France and the third British cyclist following wins by both Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. Cardiff is immensely proud to welcome Geraint home and hopes as many people as possible will come out to celebrate his achievements.
