Cycling enthusiasts will have the chance to catch a glimpse of Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas this weekend, when the cyclist saddles up for the first time since his historic win in Carmarthenshire.

Team Sky, fresh from negotiating a new contract with the Welsh rider, Geraint will lead their team in the Tour of Britain - the UK’s biggest road race, with Carmarthenshire chosen to host the Grand Depart of the prestigious race on Sunday, September 2.

Although now living in Cardiff, Geraint’s father Howell is originally from Bancyfelin, and local councillor Philip Hughes, said that this was a ‘very proud moment for everyone in the St Clears and Bancyfelin community’

“Geraint can now justifiably be called the best cyclist in the world, but he follows in the footsteps of other sporting legends from the village, including rugby heroes Delme Thomas, Mike Phillips and Jonathan Davies, who won man of the series in the British Lions tour of New Zealand last summer.

“Bancyfelin is truly a village of sporting champions!” he added.

Local people and visitors to Carmarthenshire will be the first to see the winner in action in a professional road race since he became the first Welshman ever to win the Tour de France.

Live televised coverage of the Tour of Britain on ITV4 and Eurosport means the eyes of the world will be on Carmarthenshire as it hosts the first stage of the race, and Geraint’s inclusion is set to attract even more international attention.

Thousands of people are expected to line the route, which travels through Pembrey to Kidwelly and Carmarthen, then on towards Llandeilo and Llandovery before crossing the Brecon Beacons.

Staying and spending locally, the expected economic boost of £4million to South Wales may grow further still.

Teams, including BMC Racing Team, Team Katusha Alpecin, Team LottoNL-Jumbo and Team Dimension Data, named their riders for the first time earlier today.

Clr. Peter Hughes Griffiths, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “We had hoped Team Sky would name Geraint Thomas in their team and today’s announcement is fantastic news.

“With his family from Bancyfelin this will be something of a homecoming for Geraint and there will be thousands of people here in Carmarthenshire ready to give him the warmest welcome.”

He added: “This event will put our county centre stage in front of an audience of millions - we are thrilled, excited and ready to rise to the challenge.”

You can visit Carmarthenshire.gov.uk for up to date spectator information and DiscoverCarmarthenshire.com for events and activities along the route, places to stay, volunteer opportunities, competitions and more.