The Senedd will play host to the first Welshman to win the Tour de France when Geraint Thomas visits the National Assembly for Wales on Thursday, 9 August.
Pic: Team Sky
People in the Bay, including those visiting the National Eisteddfod are invited to join the Llywydd, Elin Jones AM and the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones AM, on the steps of the Senedd from 16.15 to formally thank Geraint on behalf of the nation.
The celebration precedes the main public event which will see the Team Sky rider cycle up St Mary’s Street to Cardiff Castle from 17.00.
Geraint Thomas made history when he crossed the finishing line of the world’s greatest cycle race on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on 29 July to cap a remarkable career which has seen him win titles at national, world and Olympic level on the road and the track.
Speaking ahead of the event Geraint said:
“I’ve been blown away by the support since the Tour de France - from everyone, but especially the Welsh public.
‘I can’t wait to head back to Cardiff on Thursday for the homecoming.
‘It’s such an incredible honour and I’m so grateful to everyone involved in helping put this event on.”
Elin Jones AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Geraint Thomas to the Senedd, the home of democracy in Wales, before what I’m sure will be a wonderful journey to Cardiff Castle. His efforts during the Tour de France were thrilling to watch and inspirational to us all.
“It is fitting that his achievement should be celebrated at the same time as a great celebration of Wales, the Eisteddfod, is being held in Cardiff Bay this year.
“He thoroughly deserves a wonderful homecoming and I hope people turn out to give him a warm welcome.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones, said: “Wales is a proud sporting nation and watching Geraint on the podium, holding the Welsh flag high above his head, was a stand-out moment in our sporting history.
“I believe Geraint’s thrilling ride to Paris is the greatest individual performance by a Welsh sport star. His success - and wonderful, Welsh sense of humour throughout the gruelling race – is an inspiration. We’re looking forward to putting on a great Welsh welcome on Thursday to thank him for everything he has achieved.”
Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive of Welsh Cycling, said: “Welsh Cycling are looking forward to welcoming Geraint home on Thursday, this will be a very proud moment for everyone and a chance for people across Wales to share this once in a lifetime moment.”
Geraint will join the Llywydd and the First Minister on the steps of the Senedd at 16.30. He will then receive another hero’s welcome as he parades along St Marys Street at 17.00 before appearing on stage again at 17.30.
Event details
Join us outside the Senedd to give Geraint Thomas a hero's welcome following his thrilling Tour de France victory - a stand-out moment in our sporting history.
If you’re coming to see Geraint Thomas at the Senedd, we’d advise you not to bring your bike in to the Eisteddfod area because of the number of people expected. If you are planning on cycling it may be safer to leave your bike at a cycle stand outside of the Eisteddfod. Information about Cardiff’s cycle network can be found at http://www.keepingcardiffmoving.co.uk/cycle/where-can-i-cycle/index.html .