Geraint Thomas Ends Cycling Career in Emotional Finish

Geraint Thomas ended his illustrious cycling career with an emotional finish to the Tour of Britain in his home town of Cardiff on Sunday. The 2018 Tour de France champion was given a guard of honour before the start of the final 122.2km stage.

What happened?

Thousands of spectators lined the route to show their appreciation for the 39-year-old. Geraint Thomas rode past the local club where he started cycling as a child and his parents' house. The stage included a climb of Caerphilly Mountain before finishing on North Road in central Cardiff.

Why it matters for Geraint Thomas

Geraint Thomas's Ineos Grenadiers team wore a special jersey designed by the Welshman. He was clapped over the finish line for the final time, fighting back tears alongside his son Macsen. "It is emotional," Geraint Thomas said to Welsh broadcaster S4C.

What comes next?

Dutchman Olav Kooij took another stage win for Team Visma ahead of British duo Samuel Watson and Fred Wright. Groupama's Romain Gregoire claimed the overall general classification victory, two seconds ahead of Remco Evenepoel. Geraint Thomas finished in 80th position in the final general classification standings on Sunday. He had started riding for the then Team Sky since its inception in 2010. The peleton was forced into a brief halt when a farmer moved his herd of cows across the route. Bastien Tronchon, Julius Johansen, and Fred Wright looked to put some distance on the chasers. But they were eventually pulled back in as Kooij came through a bunched sprint finish. Geraint Thomas's farewell was the main focus of the final stage, with thousands of spectators showing their appreciation. He was overcome with emotion as he stood alongside his son Macsen. The Welshman had an amazing career, with two Olympic gold medals on the track. Geraint Thomas will be remembered as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.