Cycling superstar Geraint's gearing up for a party in the castle

ERAINT Thomas has announced a farewell party in Cardiff to follow the final race of the cyclist’s illustrious career.

- BEN JAMES Sport writer [e-mail]

This week's Lloyds Tour of Britain will be the last event of a remarkable career that has brought Olympic gold medals and the 2018 Tour de France title.

The race’s final stage finishes in Thomas’ home city of Cardiff, providing the 39-year-old with the perfect end to his career.

And, to top it all off, there will be a party in Cardiff Castle afterwards, with 4,000 free tickets on offer.

In a video posted on social media, Thomas said: “Hey guys. As you know, the Lloyds Tour of Britain is going to be my final-ever race and the final stage Cardiff will be my last day as a pro bike rider, which is mad.

“To mark it, though, I want to say a big thank-you to everyone who supported me along the way, with a free event in Cardiff Castle after the tour of Britain podium.

“It’s being organised as a bit of a surprise for me as well, so I'm in the dark as much as you guys at the minute. But what I can say is if you want to get hold of a free ticket, just hit the link below.

“There's 4,000 so plenty to go around, but when they're gone, they’re gone. So see you all there”

In turns out there wasn’t plenty to go around - with the event already a sellout, with a waiting list.

Thomas’ final race starts today in Suffolk, from the town of Woodbridge.