EXPECT some fireworks!

That's the view of a Denbighshire cycling figure as the potential of a first Welsh Tour de France winner draws closer.

Should current leader Geraint Thomas get through today's stage 19 unscathed, he will be a near certainty to wear the Yellow Jersey all the way to Paris on Sunday.

However, what a day it is!

The peloton is currently ascending the Col d'Aspin, with both the fierce Col du Tourmalet and Col d'Aubisque to climb before the end of the 200km stage.

At present, Thomas holds a comfortable lead of one minute and 59 seconds over second-placed Tom Dumoulin.

Thomas' Team Sky team-mate Chris Froome is a further 33 seconds back in third place, just ahed of Primoz Roglic.

Rhyl Cycling Club secretary Jon Harland said: "There will be fireworks from Dumoulin and Roglic.

"They will need to gain more time ahead of tomorrow's time trial as Geraint Thomas is too far ahead overall to be caught on just that.

"I expect him and his team to successfully mark all rivals.

"The only issues for me are is Thomas going to suffer a 'bad day' or will the terrain, particularly the descending, cause problems for him?"