Last week not only saw the start of our lovely summer, but also the start of one of the most revered races in the world – the annual Tour de France cycling race. And this year, there’s a Welshman on the leading team, so that makes us very proud (and more likely to watch it!) here at the Oakeley Arms.

The Tour de France is one of the oldest, and most prestigious, cycling races in the world. It was first held in 1903, a whopping 112 years ago and the organisers hoped that it would increase sales of a French sports newspaper. Apart from a break during both the World Wars, the race has been held every year since, and it’s recently been credited with helping Britain fall back in love with the sport of cycling.

Tour de France. By Robbie Shade via Wikimedia Commons

There are 22 teams participating in the Tour de France 2015, and Team Sky are the front-runners, currently the favourite to win with British cyclist Chris Froome expected to take the winning spot. Welsh cyclist Geraint Thomas is part of the formidable Team Sky, and at just 29 years old, he’s no stranger to the Tour de France. He first competed in the race in 2007, where he was the youngest rider to compete that year. He was also the first Welshman to race in the Tour de France since the 1960’s so he gained huge support from his fans at home in Wales. He was even nominated for the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year award.

Thomas’ cycling career has gone from strength to strength since then, and this year he will play a key supporting role for Team Sky. So we say “come on Geraint!”. He’s certainly flying the Welsh flag high and doing us all proud. And if the race has inspired you to dust off your bike and get out cycling then Snowdonia has some of the best road cycling routes in Britain. Come and test your strength on these Welsh hills of ours, and enjoy a well-earned pint or two at the Oakeley bar afterwards!

You can catch all the Tour de France 2015 action on ITV4, daily.

Thomas competing for Team Sky. By Denismenchov08 via Wikimedia Commons