YOUNGSTER Stephen Williams earned the praise of JLT Condor Team Manager John Herety as he produced a sensational ride on the third round of the prestigious Tour de Yorkshire.

It was the biggest race of his cycling career so far, and the youngster from Capel Dewi made his mark in the Tour de France legacy event.

After two sprint stages, stage three was designed for the climbers to really show their prowess - and the 19 year-old former Penweddig pupil rose to the challenge.

At the end of the third stage, he finished as the fifth highest-placed British rider, and 22nd on stage and in general classification - and he was the highest-placed JLT Condor team member.

“It was a brutal day, as expected, and we have got a young rider in Stevie Williams who will have what it takes to compete at this level,” commented Herety.

“He had to change a wheel at a key moment in the race and as a result had to make a huge effort to get back to the leaders. He blew a bit after that when the attacks started to go, and he rode the last 25km on his own.

“I have to say I’m very satisfied with how we rode each day, and I am also satisfied with our results.”

Having had the team work for the sprinters during the first two stages, everyone’s attention moved over to the team’s two climbers, Williams and Steve Lampier, with the aim to help protect them as best they could.

After having the team put in a solid performance to keep him protected, Williams found himself amongst a strong group as they ascended Cote de Grosmont, and had established a strong lead over the rest of the splintered peloton.

Williams was forced to spend vital energy following a puncture, and although he was able to join back on to the group, at 25km to go his tank was empty as they came towards the final two KoMs and was dropped from the group, forcing him to ride the remainder of race on his own.

Williams crossed the line 6 mins 8 secs behind the stage and overall Tour de Yorkshire winner, Thomas Voeckler of Direct Energy.

Williams had started 2016 in the southern hemisphere, racing in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan. His JLT Condor team mates were behind him all the way when he stepped onto the podium in the UCI New Zealand Cycle Classic.

In Britain, he has been racing in the Motorpoint Spring Cup, supporting his team’s efforts in the series.

“There are a lot of good characters in the team, we all get along well and it’s a good set-up,” he reflected.

“I train with Mouldy (Jon Mould) most of the time, with us both being based in Newport. There’s a strong Welsh group with Sam Harrison, Scott Davies, Dale Appleby, Rob Partridge and then Mouldy and me who go out training together.

“We use the roads around Monmouthshire, the location is perfect for its varying terrain; it’s a good scene at the moment. When it comes to racing, there’s rivalry between us but off the bike we’re all good mates really.”

Supported by Welsh Cycling, Williams is now based in Newport, which gives him the access to the support and training he needs as a professional bike rider.