Geraint Thomas celebrates first major win

Geraint Thomas is preparing for the 2011 Tour de France, which starts in July

Welsh cyclist Geraint Thomas has sealed his first major professional win with victory in the Tour of Bavaria.

The Team Sky rider started the final day in the overall lead after finishing fifth in the time trial on Saturday.

Thomas finished the closing stage in 11th place as Leopard Trek's Giacomo Nizzolo won - but it was enough for Thomas to beat Nicki Sorensen overall.

"It's great, I didn't really expect it coming into the race," said the Olympic and world team pursuit track champion.

Thomas finished 17 seconds ahead of Denmark's Sorensen - with Michael Albasini of Switzerland finishing third - as he started his Tour de France warm-up in style.

It completed a successful race for Team Sky following stage wins from Edvald Boasson Hagen and Bradley Wiggins

"We thought all four of us were capable of winning it and to be in that position is fantastic," said Cardiff rider Thomas.

"It was a great end to the week. We've been on the podium every day as well so it's a great race for us."

Thomas' win is the best preparation for his Tour de France bid, which starts on 2 July.

The Welshman hopes to improve on his 2010 heroics where he wore the white jersey between stage three and stage six of the 2010 Tour de France for being the top young rider.

"The goals this season were the classics and the Tour de France," said Thomas.

"I hit the first one of those pretty well, had a little bit of downtime after that and now the build-up to the Tour seems to be going pretty much to plan.

"I'll have a nice, easy week now and then it's the Dauphine and the Tour will then virtually be on us."