TOUR de France winner Geraint Thomas will be given a hero's welcome back home to Wales on Thursday.

The 32-year-old, who was born in Cardiff, became the first-ever Welshman and only the third Briton to win the gruelling cycling challenge when he crossed the finish line in Paris last month.

And now it has been announced he will be formally welcomed back to his home nation with a public reception in Cardiff on Thursday.

He will arrive in Cardiff Bay - which is currently hosting the National Eisteddfod - where he will be welcomed at the steps of the Senedd by first minister Carwyn Jones and presiding officer Elin Jones at 4.30pm.

Following this, he will cycle up St Mary's Street to Cardiff Castle from 5pm, appearing on stage at 5.30pm.

Speaking ahead of the event Mr Thomas said: “I’ve been blown away by the support since the Tour de France - from everyone, but especially the Welsh public.

"I can’t wait to head back to Cardiff on Thursday for the homecoming. It’s such an incredible honour and I’m so grateful to everyone involved in helping put this event on.”

Mr Jones said: “Wales is a proud sporting nation and watching Geraint on the podium, holding the Welsh flag high above his head, was a stand-out moment in our sporting history.

“I believe Geraint’s thrilling ride to Paris is the greatest individual performance by a Welsh sport star.

"His success - and wonderful, Welsh sense of humour throughout the gruelling race – is an inspiration.

"We’re looking forward to putting on a great Welsh welcome on Thursday to thank him for everything he has achieved.”

And Ms Jones said: “I am delighted to welcome Geraint Thomas to the Senedd, the home of democracy in Wales, before what I’m sure will be a wonderful journey to Cardiff Castle.

"His efforts during the Tour de France were thrilling to watch and inspirational to us all.

“It is fitting that his achievement should be celebrated at the same time as a great celebration of Wales, the Eisteddfod, is being held in Cardiff Bay this year. He thoroughly deserves a wonderful homecoming and I hope people turn out to give him a warm welcome.”