Tour de France: Geraint Thomas’ joy in the Wales hosting stage

For Thomas, who has stood on all three steps of the podium on the Champs-Élysées including first place in 2018, this is the fulfillment of a dream.

The tour that inspired him to start cycling as a child, will pass through the streets as he grew up, next to the cycling track where his potential was first discovered and even past a local pub.

But beyond the sporting and personal significance, the former Olympic champion is fully aware of the enormous opportunities that lie ahead of him.

The 39-year-old spoke of the Wales show and the “once in a lifetime” opportunity to inspire future stars and inject momentum into the tourism sector.

First Minister Morgan added: “This is a real opportunity. The eyes of the world will be on our country for one of the biggest sporting audiences on the planet.

“Millions and millions of people around the world will never see the parts of Wales that we will show them.

“This is not just a milestone for cycling in Wales, but a celebration and an opportunity for us to show off our nation.”

Christian Prudhomme, the tour’s general manager, said his first experience of Wales came with rugby before Thomas competed for the red jersey in the yellow jersey.

“The grand departure is always huge and we often have to explain to the French people why we are leaving France,” Prudhomme said.

“But that’s because we find the passion and we know it will be a huge success in Great Britain. Wales is made for bikes.”