Why 2018 has been a remarkable sporting year for Wales

From scoring the winning goal at the Champions League final, to crossing the finish line in Paris to become the first Welshman to win the world's biggest cycling race, Wales has a lot to be proud of this year.

  • Gareth Bale scores twice to seal victory for Real Madrid in Champions League final

  • Cardiff Blues win European Challenge Cup

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Cardiff Blues won their second European Challenge Cup after a thrilling 31-30 comeback win over Gloucester in Bilbao in May.

  • Cardiff City promoted to the Premier League

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It was also an impressive season for Cardiff City who, under Neil Warnock's leadership, were promoted to the Premier League also in May.

Although, 2018 may be a year to forget for some fans after Swansea were relegated from the Premier League after seven years.

  • Cardiff Devils win Elite League Championship

Credit: William Cherry

A late goal from Andrew Hotham with 20 seconds remaining in the game sealed saw the Cardiff Devils win the Elite League Championship in March.

  • Success at the Winter Olympics

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Wrexham-born Laura Deas won bronze at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang back in February. It was the 29-year-old's first Olympic Games.

  • Wales women to face England in final World Cup qualifying campaign

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The Wales women's football team have also enjoyed a successful World Cup qualifying campaign following wins over Russia and Bosnia in June.

Rodney Parade will host Wales' crucial final group match against England next month.

  • Mark Williams wins world championship

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Welsh snooker player Mark Williams, 43, was crowned champion after winning the 2018 Betfred World Championship at The Crucible, Sheffield in May.

  • Wales enjoys most successful Commonwealth Games

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Team Wales also enjoyed their most successful Commonwealth Games after racking up a total of 36 medals on the Gold Coast this summer.

They finished seventh in the table behind New Zealand with Australia coming out top.

Sport Wales said they are "proud" of the "record breaking achievement" and said the athletes' performance and commitment would have "inspired a new generation".

  • Geraint Thomas all but seals historic win in Tour de France

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Now, 32-year-old Geraint Thomas is set to make history after winning the Tour de France and becoming the first Welshman to do so.

All this, and we are just over half way through the year. Who knows what more could be on the horizon for Welsh sporting talent.