\n The route for the day began in Pontypool with hundreds of spectators lining the start pen before the race could begin. This same level of support could be seen throughout the entire route with country roads and small towns full of people hoping to catch a glimpse of the cyclists as they thunder past.\n<\/p>\n
\n The route would allow participants to see some of the best sights the valleys and south Wales have to offer with a double climb of the gruelling Tumble, which stage winner Remco Evenepoel\u00a0called \u2018a beautiful climb\u2019 despite its energy draining nature.\n<\/p>\n
\n Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) (Image: SWpix) While the race is a huge draw, there is one underlying reason that has Welsh supporters coming out in droves: this weekend is the last of Geraint Thomas\u2019 professional races.\n<\/p>\n
\n Beginning the penultimate stage of his professional career on home roads and battling the notorious Tumble no less.\n<\/p>\n
\n When speaking about the race, Geraint said: \u201cIt was really nice. It was quite emotional, actually.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cFirst, I just tried to keep the boys at the front, and it\u2019s a two-edged sword because you don\u2019t have great legs, and you\u2019re working before the climb, and then you hit the climb and you think \u2018oh my god\u2019, but the crowds were amazing, and I came back to try and help the boys again and then I really enjoyed it the last time up there again.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIt was a special day.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Geraint Thomas crosses the finish line (Image: SWpix) Mark Jones, councillor for Pontypool Fawr, said: \u201cThe event that started in Pontypool Park was truly amazing, and brought the community and visitors from afar together and sample the fantastic area we live in.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe crowds on the route were fantastic and the finish up near the Keepers Pond was a lifetime experience.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIt shows that the people of Torfaen are very supportive of events brought to the Borough.\n<\/p>\n
\n Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) with his family after the Stage (Image: SWpix) \u201cHuge thanks must go to the organisers who done a fantastic and truly professional job.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Gavin Davies runs the Collector Sector, an independent business in Pontypool Market. He said: \u201cI think Pontypool getting events like this is great because not only does it put eyes on our business and the others in the town, but it makes people realise we\u2019re here as a whole.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe amount of people who came down to show their support and the buzz that followed the event for the couple of days before was incredible.\u201d\n<\/p>\n