Welsh legend Geraint Thomas finished the Tour of Britain in Cardiff in his last-ever race Geraint Thomas with son Macs riding into Cardiff(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Welshman Geraint Thomas made his final professional ride on Sunday afternoon and it was fitting it was into his home city. As he road the familiar streets, past his old cycling club, he was greeted by thousands of spectators as he prepares to hang up his helmet for good.

Tour de France winner Thomas was competing in the last stage of the Tour of Britain, which poetically ended in Cardiff.

It brings to an end a glorious career in the saddle, with the 39-year-old considered one of Wales’ greatest-ever sports stars.

With the streets lined with fans, Thomas had his five-year-old son Macs on the handlebars with the Welsh flag as he was given a hero’s welcome in the Welsh capital.

He will now head off to celebrate with 4,000 supporters in Cardiff Castle, with a free beer being handed out to those who attended the ticketed bash. You can follow live updates here.

The beer given out to those attending the Geraint Thomas bash at Cardiff Castle (Image: WalesOnline )

“Thanks for coming!” he said when addressing the crowd via microphone.

“With the weather I was thinking…the support has been nuts, seeing so many things of my face has been a bit freaky, but I appreciate it so much. Thank you, that’s all I can say.”

There was certainly a lot of love around for the Cardiff native.

Spectator and cycle workshop owner Dave Hann said: “Geraint is such a lovely guy, just a really nice bloke. From the age of nine he started here. Alan Davies coached him through along with all the kids at Maindy Flyers.

“When he is in town he visits Maindy. When I’m out on my bike and you see a guy in Sky kit, he’s always the first to wave. He’s a true gentleman and a true ambassador for Welsh people, Cardiff people and hopefully for Maindy Velodrome.

Ineos Grenadiers’ Geraint Thomas on the podium after competing in his final professional race (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire.)

“I’ve seen my own children and many great cyclists like Nicole Cooke brought through there and Sir Chris Hoy raced here as a child. It’s not just about the elites, it’s also about grass roots cycling, kids and adults. It’s about living a healthier and better lifestyle.”Another spectator, Chris Lewis, said: “Geraint is a legend, he’s done so much to represent Wales.

“He’s probably the greatest sportsman Wales has produced.

“To win the Tour de France is probably the peak achievement for any athlete, it’s such a physically ferocious challenge. He’s a local hero born and bred in Cardiff and he learnt his trade at Maindy Velodrome.”

Earlier on in the day, the race was brought to an abrupt halt due to cows crossing the route path.