“It’s just insane.” That was Geraint Thomas’s reaction to winning the Tour de France today as the race ended in Paris.
Standing on the top step of the podium on the Champs-Elysees, wearing the yellow jersey albeit mostly obscured by the Welsh flag, the 32-year-old from Cardiff reflected on three weeks that have catapulted him into sporting stardom.
“I’ve not got a good track record with speeches so I’ll keep it short,” he said. “I just want to say thanks to the team, they’ve just been incredible for the whole three weeks.”
Addressing Chris Froome, standing to his left on the third step of the podium, Thomas said: “Big respect to Froomey, obviously it could have got awkward, there could have been tension, but you’ve been a great champion and I’ll always have respect for you.
“I’m pretty tired,” he continued. “Just the whole team was incredible, the staff as well.
“I got into cycling because of this race. I remember running home from school to watch it. The dream was always just to be a part of it.
“Now I’m here in the yellow jersey it’s just insane. It’s a dream come true. Massive respect to [runner-up] Tom [Dumoulin] as well and all my rivals. It’s just a dream.”
At times during this year’s race, Team Sky had a torrid time from roadside spectators, ut Thomas said: “I just want to say a final thanks to the crowd. You’ve just been amazing. The amount of support I’ve got.
“Oh, and my wife,” he added.
Thomas concluded: “Kids, just dream big. If people tell you it can’t be done, keep going and believe in yourself. With hard work, everything pays off in the end.
“Thanks, you’ve been amazing. Thank you very much and vive le Tour!”
And with those words, he became the first Tour de France champion to do a mic drop on the podium.
Chapeau, G.
3 thoughts on ““It’s just insane” – Geraint Thomas on winning the Tour de France (+ video highlights)”
Thomas is hard-working,
Thomas is hard-working, talented, humble, patient, perseverant, friendly, loyal, athletic, cautious when it is wise to be, decisive when opportunites arise, phlegmatic in the face of setbacks, a good climber, a great time trialist, strong on the cobbles, and backed up by a powerful team. Best of all, in my opinion, he has the appearance of someone who hasn’t spent his life convinced it is his destiny to win, which I personally find refreshing. It also make his anti-doping stance more believable than most.
I think that’s it. As comprehensive a list as I can come up with of all the attributes that helped him win and make him such as an appealing winner. I’m sure people will be along soon to talk about other things that are neither. But I just wanted to get in a chapeau to a fine human being first.
handlebarcam wrote:
Yes, yes, but what about his good points…?
You forgot that he’s also
You forgot that he’s also stylish on the bike, very compact, no unnecessary movement. I’d imagine it comes from his track experience, Wiggins was the same.
Oh and a few years ago he sponsored some damn fine yoghurts. http://www.palm-pr.com/geraint-thomas-and-the-collective/