Geraint Thomas has been confirmed as the winner of the Tour de France after the final stage in Paris.
The 32-year-old becomes the first winner to hail from Wales and the third from Great Britain, following in the footsteps of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.
Victory is the sixth time a Team Sky rider has prevailed in the last seven years and comes after a dominant display from a man who had so often supported teammates in a domestique role at previous grand tour events.
More: Cycling
When I rode the race for the first time 12 years ago it was insane just to finish the race and to be part of it, he told ITV.
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To be actually around winning it is, you have to pinch yourself. It wont sink in for a few months. It is a whirlwind, I am floating around cloud nine.
When Im 70 and sat in the corner of the pub telling some 18-year-old of what I used to be. It is incredible. The thing of dreams.
More: Tour De France
The amount of well wishes and complements from fellow riders and fellow sportsman.
Suddenly theyve messaging me about how proud they are to be watching. I really appreciate that support.
Thomas finished one minute and 51 seconds ahead of Tom Dumoulin and another 33 seconds clear the defending champion Froome, whose run of three straight wins has been ended.
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Geraint Thomas has been confirmed as the winner of the Tour de France after the final stage in Paris.
The 32-year-old becomes the first winner to hail from Wales and the third from Great Britain, following in the footsteps of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.
Victory is the sixth time a Team Sky rider has prevailed in the last seven years and comes after a dominant display from a man who had so often supported teammates in a domestique role at previous grand tour events.
More: Cycling
When I rode the race for the first time 12 years ago it was insane just to finish the race and to be part of it, he told ITV.
Advertisement Advertisement
To be actually around winning it is, you have to pinch yourself. It wont sink in for a few months. It is a whirlwind, I am floating around cloud nine.
When Im 70 and sat in the corner of the pub telling some 18-year-old of what I used to be. It is incredible. The thing of dreams.
More: Tour De France
The amount of well wishes and complements from fellow riders and fellow sportsman.
Suddenly theyve messaging me about how proud they are to be watching. I really appreciate that support.
Thomas finished one minute and 51 seconds ahead of Tom Dumoulin and another 33 seconds clear the defending champion Froome, whose run of three straight wins has been ended.
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