Welsh cycling hero Geraint Thomas has spoken of the mental strain and "dark times" he has suffered during this year's Tour de France.
The professional racer, feted in his home country after riding to an historic Tour victory in 2018 which led to roadside tributes to his pedalling prowess, lost any real chance of being in contention after a crash in the Alps early in the three-week event, suffering a dislocated shoulder.
The 35-year-old Ineos Grenadiers rider came into the Tour with high hopes, having come third in the Volta a Catalunya in March and winning the Tour of Romandie a month later. He was also third and won a stage in the Criterium du Dauphine.
He came home 37th after Saturday's penultimate-stage time trial, which took place on a hot day near Bordeaux.
He said: "Definitely been the hardest Tour I've done mentally. I enjoyed today - took it easy.
"You've got to go all in. I had a good team around me. Don't get me wrong - there's been some dark times."
Tour leader Tadej Pogacar is set to be crowned the overall winner in Paris today (Sunday). However, Isle of Man resident Mark Cavendish is hoping to achieve an historic 35th stage win in the final day's race, which finishes on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
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