By James Candy

Velothon Wales 2017 riders have been asked to create a sea of yellow in tribute to Tour de France hero Geraint Thomas.

Almost 10,000 cycling enthusiasts will descend on South Wales on Sunday, and they are being encouraged to sport something yellow after Thomas became the first Welshman to claim the famous yellow jersey this week.

Organisers want to see everyone who is taking on the 140km and 110km routes wearing a splash of yellow – be it a jersey, cap, helmet, socks or a sweatband.

Everyone entering this weekend’s sportif will ride near the golden postbox on Cardiff’s Castle Street, painted in honour of Thomas’s Olympic heroics on the track in 2012.

Thomas soared to the top of the general classification on day one of the tour with a stunning display. Fellow Team Sky rider Chris Froome moved to the front of the pack after day five, but Thomas is still in the hunt.

Welsh Assembly government economy secretary Ken Skates, said: “Spectators in Wales usually give visitors and home-grown competitors, alike, a real warm Welsh welcome for the Velothon – this makes for a fantastic atmosphere.

“With the legendary performance by Geraint Thomas in making history this week by becoming the first Welshman to wear the famous yellow jersey, I’m sure that many will be inspired by his efforts and will be looking to make their own legend this weekend.”

Velothon Wales event director Nigel Russell said: “We want to see a sea of yellow on the start-line in Geraint’s home city of Cardiff.

“What an incredible achievement it was to become the first Welshman to claim the yellow jersey, so let’s show our appreciation as a taste of the Tour de France comes to Wales this weekend.”

Anyone wishing to join the ‘Yellow Army’ can still sign-up for this year’s Velothon Wales 140 at the Velothon Wales Expo on Friday from 12:00 – 19:00 or on Saturday from 07:00 – 19:00.