Emotional farewell in Tour de France winner's home city

Fellow cyclists and fans paid tribute to Geraint Thomas before the start of the final stage on Sunday

Former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas waved an emotional goodbye to cycling, with his final ride in his home city.

The former Whitchurch High School pupil won the iconic French race in 2018, along with Olympic gold in Beijing, China, in 2008 and London in 2012.

But he was on more familiar terrain on Sunday, taking part in his final race - the Tour of Britain, which ended in Cardiff.

The final 122.2km (76 miles) stage started at the velodrome in Newport named after the 39-year-old and where crowds turned out to cheer him. It also passed his childhood cycling club, Maindy Flyers, before it ended in his hometown.

"A a whole club we're extremely proud, we've been fortunate that we've had a number of youngsters who have come through this club and who've gone on to achieve Olympic golds, world records world championships," said co-chairman of Maindy Flyers Alan Davies.

"But Geraint was the first, he was the one who showed the others the way.

"This is Geraint's legacy within cycling in Cardiff."

Mr Davies said it was almost 30 years to the day that Thomas first began cycling at Maindy, joining in late 1995.

He was his first coach, and in testament to the effect he has had on the sport in the city, many young riders are present to pay tribute to him.

"He's inspired so many children to join Maindy, it's just great what he's done," said 10-year-old Gwen.

"It's his last year and he's done really well."

Imogen, 12, said it gives her "a nice feeling" to know he started his career at the club.

"And then he went on to be an Olympian, Tour de France winner, and then is finishing his last race here," she added.

Raima used to go on bike rides with her dad, and "really liked beating him", with the success of Geraint Thomas allowing her to dream.

"It gives you a sense of hope and brings everyone together - it makes you want to do better," she said.

Young cyclists Imogen and Raima say they have been inspired by Thomas

Speaking after the race Thomas said he had expected a good atmosphere for his final ride, "but this is something else".

He added it was "bonkers" that Newport's velodrome, where the race started, was now named after him.

He said fellow Welsh rider Nicole Cooke inspired him, and recalled thinking at the time "if she can do it, why can't other Welsh people do it", adding that the thought of young children looking at him and thinking that was "strange, but really nice".

He added that riding along Ben Swift was emotional.

"Swifty, who I started racing with when I was 12 [years-old] - we're 39 now, that's a long time.

"To ride in to the finish with him, I just broke down."

Thomas added that one of the most special moments of the ride in Cardiff was having his son Macs old enough to remember it.

"That's what gets me, I never thought I'd still be going when he's at the age to remember.

"I thought I would've stopped a couple years ago, so its nice that he can enjoy it."

His final race also featured a custom-made jersey carrying the name of those closest to him, along with a drawing by Macs.

"There's a lot of teammates, current and ex-teammates, Swifty, Mum and Dad - its nice.

"And on the back, Macs designed a picture. Apparently its me on the top step, so that's good."

Thomas' mother said she has only ever watched the highlights of his son's races, as it was "too scary" to watch them live

His mother Hilary Thomas, 69, said she was "bursting with pride", but was "glad he was finished with cycling".

"It was nerve-wracking watching him race but he's done so well."

His dad, Howell Thomas, 75, added the race had "been really emotional".

Additional reporting by Tomos Dafydd