Tour de France winner hailed as a 'Welsh warrior'

Team Sky racer Thomas finished third in today's stage 20 time trial to become the first Welsh winner of the race.

He was in front after the first two timechecks during the 31km run from Saint-Pee-Sur-Nivelle to Espelette, before he eventually finished behind team-mate Chris Froome and Tour de France runner-up Tom Dumoulin.

Reacting to Thomas' performance, Ruthin Cycling Club's Glyn Evans said: "Excellent!

"A brilliant race all round and he has really controlled things at all stages of the race, da iwan G!"

Rhyl Cycling Club secretary Jon Harland added: "Geraint has reached the peak of his career.

"Can he repeat the epic performance next year?

"It's wonderful for Wales and British cycling.

"Onwards and upwards for the sport."

Rhos on Sea Cycling Club secretary John Clayton said: "Geraint Thomas has shown that he is a true Welsh warrior.

"Sky have dominated because of the strong leadership and a great team ethic.

"A huge congratulations to G and Chris Froome and, of course, Rhos member David Brailsford."

Following the stage, Thomas is one minute and 51 seconds clear of Dumoulin, while four-time champion Chris Froome is third.

Clayton added: "Rhos on Sea has a strong and enthusiastic junior section and a vibrant female section.

"Next week on Thursday, August 2 at 6.30pm, Rhos are hosting a special time trial to encourage all female newcomers to the sport.

"It will be at the Bodnant Centre, in the Conwy Valley, with a 10-mile TT to Llanrwst and back."

Meanwhile, Harland added: "There's plenty of opportunities for teenagers to follow Geraint to the top from North Wales.

"Get a start at Rhyl's Marsh Road track every Sunday at 9.30am all year round."

Ruthin Cycling Club runs regular rides on Wednesday morning (10am start).

This is usually a fairly easy two-hour ride followed by coffee. Two groups cycle on Sunday mornings (9am start), with a midway coffee stop.

See www.facebook.com/groups/ruthincyclingclub/ for further details on the club.