GERAINT Thomas has won the Tour de France just weeks after tasting success on the district's roads.

The Welshman enjoyed victory in the national time trial at the Cyclone Festival of Cycling, on May 28, which took place on roads around Kirkley Hall and Ponteland.

On Sunday, the 32-year-old followed in the footsteps of Chris Froome and Sir Bradley Wiggins to became only the third Briton to win the Tour de France.

Alexander Kristoff won the final sprint finish on the Champs-Elysees, but Thomas has built up a lead over the previous 20 stages.