Thousands to line streets for Thomas’ final race

As Geraint Thomas bids his long-running career adieu, a horde of cycling fans is expected to line south Wales’ streets.

When the Tour of Britain wraps up in Cardiff on Sunday, the 2018 Tour de France champion and Olympic gold medalist will retire.

The 39-year-old’s velodrome in Newport, home of his hometown, hosts the final 122.2km (76 miles) stage, which will pass through his former cycling club Maindy Flyers before ending in his hometown.

The final stage follows the pub where I had my first pint, and it is located 100 yards away from my parents’ house, according to Thomas.

The crowds were incredible, Thomas continued, “it was a special day.”

“Coming up the climb was crazy,” he said. Everyone on there was cheering for me, which was crazy.

The Welshman’s team, Ineos Grenadiers, will sport a special jersey that honors the names of those who shaped his life, as well as a hand-drawn picture of his son.

The Tour de France champion’s homecoming parade in the Welsh capital’s final stage, which took place seven years ago, when an estimated 8, 000 spectators gathered for his victory celebrations, will likely bring back memories of his yellow jersey debut.

Thomas recalled winning in cycling’s most prestigious race, saying, “It changed my life.

It’s funny, to be sure. I kind of felt like I was feeling the pressure at the time, which is kind of the opposite of what you might expect.

You’re in that yellow jersey for one or two stages; you’d think you’d feel more pressure as the race progresses, but I’m just feeling more at ease. I was really enjoying myself.

Thomas also won road race gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and track gold at two other Olympics, including Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.

Since then, he has been in discussions with Team Ineos about joining the team as team principal, Sir Dave Brailsford.