Thousands expected as Geraint Thomas prepares for final race at Tour of Britain

Thousands of cycling fans are expected to line streets across south Wales as Geraint Thomas prepares to race the final stage of his professional career at the Tour of Britain.

The 39-year-old, the 2018 Tour de France champion and an Olympic gold medallist, will retire when the race finishes in Cardiff on Sunday after a 122.2km stage that starts at the Newport velodrome named in his honour and passes his childhood cycling club, Maindy Flyers, before ending in his hometown.

"The last stage goes within 100 metres of my mum and dad's house, past the pub where I had my first pint," Thomas said, reflecting on the route. "I'm just lucky the Tour of Britain comes at the end of the season so I can finish my career on home roads. It will be an amazing way to finish."

Thomas, who features prominently in British cycling's recent history, sits 86th in the overall standings and is more than 16 minutes behind the race leader, Romain Grégoire, after an emotional fifth stage on Saturday that ran between Pontypool and the climb at The Tumble. He described that day as "special", saying the crowds were "amazing" and that the reception on the climb felt like "every person on there was cheering for me."

Organisers and local officials expect large turnouts along the final stage through south Wales, with supporters gathering at landmarks linked to Thomas's life and career. The route's passage by Maindy Flyers and through streets near his family home has drawn particular attention from fans and the media, who have framed the finish as a farewell on familiar roads.

Thomas's decision to end his career on home soil follows a season in which the Tour of Britain sits at the conclusion of the domestic calendar, allowing the Welsh rider to plan a final appearance in front of family and supporters. Race organisers scheduled the stage to begin at the Newport velodrome, a venue that bears Thomas's name in recognition of his achievements and his roots in Welsh cycling.

The Tour of Britain concludes in Cardiff on Sunday, bringing to a close a week of racing that has combined competitive objectives for the general classification with heightened public interest around Thomas's retirement. Riders will contest the 122.2km route from Newport to Cardiff, where spectators are expected to line the finishing circuits and pay tribute as Thomas takes his final professional laps.

Beyond the ceremonial significance of the final stage, the race continues to shape the domestic and international calendar, with younger riders contesting the overall standings and established names using the event as preparation and celebration. For Thomas, the finish in Cardiff represents a planned endpoint to a career that includes Grand Tour victory and Olympic success, and organisers and fans alike have anticipated a large turnout to mark his departure from the professional peloton.