Farewell to Geraint Thomas: Cycling UK at the Tour of Britain in Cardiff
In films and TV programmes, pouring rain is often used as a sign of sadness, the classic case of ‘pathetic fallacy’.
Last Sunday’s (8 September) final stage of the 2025 Tour of Britain carried a mixture of emotions: sombre in marking the end of Geraint Thomas’s career, but celebratory in honouring everything he has achieved.
What it was above all, though, was wet. The rain may have missed the cinematic symbolism, but it didn’t miss me as I trudged from Cardiff Central station to the Temple of Peace, where Cycling UK, alongside many others, had our gazebo set up and ready to welcome the crowds.
I was there, alongside Duncan Dollimore, Head of Campaigns, to showcase Cycling UK’s work, particularly our campaign ‘My ride. Our right’, which is calling for safer conditions for women cycling in Wales and beyond.
Despite the weather, the hardy Cardiff public paid no heed to the wide-open heavens and happily milled around the gazebo village, awaiting both the blur of the professional riders and the farewell ceremony for Geraint ‘G’ Thomas.
Talking Cycling UK with the public
Our stand was a hub for conversation throughout the day. We met a great mix of people – some of whom already knew us well and proudly counted themselves as Cycling UK members, and others who had never heard of us before.
The conversations were as varied as the people. Some wanted to hear about our campaigning work, others asked about routes and rides, and plenty were curious about the benefits of membership.
For many, our comprehensive insurance cover caught their attention. It provides that real peace of mind, whether you’re cycling to work, taking on a weekend club ride, or heading out on a family adventure.
A day of neighbours, rain and racing
Our stand was set up next to Beicio Cymru, whose Wattbike challenge proved a big hit. Their stall also supplied plenty of laughs with a pile of Geraint Thomas masks, which bobbed through the rain like a mini peloton of ‘G’ lookalikes.
Later, when he was on stage after the race, Geraint himself joked about how strange it was to look out and see a crowd of his own face!
Our brand-new gazebo (in the refreshed Cycling UK livery!) more than earned its keep, shielding us from several heavy downpours. The crowds, however, seemed unfazed. Families, club riders and casual fans all gathered in good humour, proving that a bit of wet weather won’t dampen the passion for cycling in Cardiff.
As for the race itself, it was over in a flash. The peloton came hurtling past so quickly that if you blinked, you might have missed it. But I guess that’s part of the magic of professional racing: the barrier-banging anticipation from the crowd, the sudden blur of colour and speed, and the cheers that follow in its wake.
Saying goodbye to G
The highlight of the day was the farewell to Geraint Thomas. Cardiff turned out in style to celebrate a rider who has inspired countless people across Wales, and far beyond, to get on their bikes.
The presentation of gifts to mark his retirement was a fitting tribute to a career that has included Olympic golds, Tour de France glory, and a lifetime of representing Wales on the world stage.
For Cycling UK, it was a privilege to be part of that day. Events like the Tour of Britain are a reminder of the joy cycling can bring, in all its forms.
That’s what Cycling UK’s work is all about: making cycling accessible, safe and enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re dreaming of yellow jerseys, tackling one of our long-distance routes, or pedalling down to the shops.
