Geraint Thomas admits he is living the dream after keeping hold of the Yellow Jersey as Tour de France leader for at least another day.

The Cardiff-born rider finished eighth on Monday’s stage three from Verviers to Longwy two seconds behind winner Peter Sagan.

But that left him 12 seconds ahead of Team Sky team-mate and defending champion Chris Froome who moved into second spot.

Thomas should again retain the coveted jersey on Tuesday stage from Mondorf-les-Bains to Vittel ahead of the stage five first mountain battle.

“I am living the dream,” said Thomas as he savoured his third day in the most famous jersey in cycling.

“I’m just enjoying riding my bike here and wearing this jersey.

“There were no crashes, which was good, but it was a really hectic final. I’m happy to get through unscathed.

“We didn’t have to work too hard to defend the jersey.

“We have had a great start, but there are still 18 days to go to Paris. We’re a long way from the finish.”

Thomas, who had crashed along with Froome on Sunday’s rain-hit stage, looked strong on the short, but tough climb to the finish at Longwy as he led his his team leader.

The double Olympic champ expects his spell in yellow could be ended on Wednesday’s first mountain top finish at La Planches des Belles Filles.

But Thomas hopes that one day he will still be in the leader’s jersey going into the final week having seen his own Grand Tour hopes scuppered with the crash at the Giro d’Italia.

“I would love that for sure,” he added. “It was my chance in the giro to test those waters and that went t***up.

“It’s something I would love to give a good go, whether it was the Tour, Giro or Vuelta (a Espana).

“This is a dream come true just to wear the jersey but it would be even better to target one properly and wear it in the third week.”