Geraint Thomas named in Team Sky’s Tour of Britain team

Geraint Thomas named in Team Sky’s Tour of Britain team

TOUR de France winner Geraint Thomas will saddle up for the first time since his historic win right here in Carmarthenshire.

Team Sky, fresh from negotiating a new contract with the Welsh rider, has announced that he will lead their team in the Tour of Britain – the UK’s biggest road race.

Carmarthenshire has been chosen to host the Grand Depart of the prestigious race on Sunday, September 2, starting at Pembrey Country Park and travelling north through the county towards Llandovery.

Local people and visitors to Carmarthenshire will be the first to see the winner in action in a professional road race since he became the first Welshman ever to win the Tour de France.

Live televised coverage of the Tour of Britain on ITV4 and Eurosport means the eyes of the world will be on Carmarthenshire as it hosts the first stage of the race, and Geraint’s inclusion is set to attract even more international attention.

Thousands of spectators will line the route, many travelling from outside Carmarthenshire.

Staying and spending locally, the expected economic boost of £4million to South Wales may grow further still.

Teams, including BMC Racing Team, Team Katusha Alpecin, Team LottoNL-Jumbo and Team Dimension Data, named their riders for the first time earlier today.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “We had hoped Team Sky would name Geraint Thomas in their team and today’s announcement is fantastic news.

“With his family from Bancyfelin this will be something of a homecoming for Geraint and there will be thousands of people here in Carmarthenshire ready to give him the warmest welcome.”

He added: “This event will put our county centre stage in front of an audience of millions – we are thrilled, excited and ready to rise to the challenge.”

Visit Carmarthenshire.gov.uk for up to date spectator information and DiscoverCarmarthenshire.com for events and activities along the route, places to stay, volunteer opportunities, competitions and more.