Following 3 gruelling weeks, Cardiff’s own Geraint Thomas has become the first Welshman to win cycling’s most prestigious prize, the Tour de France.
12 years after making his tour debut, Thomas has finally won the title that looked, for so long, agonisingly just out of reach. In doing so, he cements his place in history as one of Britain’s greatest ever riders, and Wales’ undisputed champion.
On an emotional final day in Paris, cycling’s Mr Nice struggled to come to terms with the enormity of his achievements. In his hilariously unplanned winner’s speech, he thanked all his teammates by name, his home-town cycle club – Maindy Flyers – and (just about remembered) his wife, Sara.
He literally flew the flag for the whole of Wales on the podium, while fellow Cardiffian teammate Luke Rowe lead a chorus of Bread of Heaven in an interview with ITV.
Below, we take a look at some of the social media highlights.
1. “I think the last time I cried was at my wedding…”
In a typically honest interview, the emotions finally get to Geraint:
"The last time I cried was when I got married!"
Geraint Thomas fights back the tears after a stunning Tour de France campaign! #TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/XMLjZpdbho
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 28, 2018
2. A city rejoices…
Few on social media reacted with more pride than Cardiff Council, who not only changed their logo (below) but also lit up the city hall yellow in honour of the yellow jersey winner.
A city rejoices!! @GeraintThomas86 Tour de France winner 2018. Congratulations Geraint and all @TeamSky #TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/NuDzITwBec
— Cardiff Council (@cardiffcouncil) July 28, 2018
3. “Nice one G”
Cyclists, new and old, donned their yellow tops and cycled around the city on Sunday to commemorate Geraint’s magnificent achievement. The whole event was captured beautifully by I Loves The ‘Diff.
A little video of this evening’s happy, relaxed mostly yellow-clad cycle ride in #Cardiff to say ‘Nice one G’. Great turn out. @letsrideuk @GeraintThomas86 #LeTour @MaindyFlyersYCC #GeraintThomas pic.twitter.com/ruyXpOpTwr
— I Loves The 'Diff (@ILovesTheDiff) July 29, 2018
4. “G defeated Dumoulin, in a fast and open race…”
In what was probably the winning social media post of the weekend, Dan Fox, of Cwmcarn Paragon CC, rewrote the Welsh rugby classic Hymns and Arias with some delightful additions. This one is a must watch!
https://www.facebook.com/205343272858339/videos/1949678185091497/
5. “How does Geraint Thomas celebrate winning the Tour de France?”
As of there was any other way. Congratulations G!
How does @GeraintThomas86 celebrate winning the Tour de France? With a six pack of Welsh Cakes 🙌🏴 pic.twitter.com/XcgFMWtZZt
— Team Sky (@TeamSky) July 28, 2018
Cover image c/o: AFP
