STEVIE Williams has been singled out as a star for the future after the Capel Dewi cyclist held his own among some of the best pro-riders on the Tour of Taiwan.

The former Penweddig schoolboy earned the respect of a world-class field as the young JLT Condor rider pushed them all the way on the concluding stage.

Williams, who had ended the New Zealand Classic third overall earlier this year, before a three month spell with the team out in Australia, earned high praise from JLT Condor Team Manager John Herety.

“He revealed himself to be a star of the future, at just 18 years-old, and on his first trip to a race like this, he attacked experienced, world-class riders,” said Herety after the race.

“We gambled and went for the overall race win on stage five. Our aim was for Williams to be in the break of the day and attack on the 15km ascent to the finish. Keep the pace high and reduce the pack.

“That’s what he did, and it was unfortunate that he was marked by everyone. But on his own, he pushed them all the way.”

On the concluding stage, a breakaway formed with Williams featuring in the group, along with other race contenders from high profile teams, including Australia’s Drapac and Avanti WheySports.

The group built a seven minute advantage over the course of the 160km stage, but by the time they reached the lower slopes of the 15km climb, their lead was cut to two minutes. Williams went on the attack on the steep hairpins to overhaul the one-minute deficit he had on leader Ben O’Connor, of Avanti WheySports.

His attack on the lower part of the mountain was short-lived as the Avanti Team chased him back. A flurry of attacks followed from seasoned riders - including Tour of Spain stage winner Francisco Mancebo - and the pack looked to Williams to chase back the experienced climber.

The Welshman brought the Spainiard under control, before himself counter attacking, but again his move was marked.

Williams tried two more big attacks on the mountain, but the select group saw the danger and took it in turns to contain the youngster, finally allowing Francisco Mancebo free, closely followed by Aussie Robbie Hucke of Avanti Wheysports.

After Williams’ big efforts to distance the group, he wasn’t quite able to match the pace of Mancebo, but instead continued to battle over the last 2km over the stone-paved streets to the remote village.

Robbie Hucker and Mancebo finally rode clear, taking 14 seconds over the remaining leaders, and the gap was enough to lift the yellow jersey from the shoulders of Hucker’s team mate Ben O’Connor.

Williams and several of the breakaway riders were eventually caught by the chasing peloton and finished within the top 30, a few minutes adrift of the winner.

“It is frustrating that Stevie was marked out more than others, but I think that at just 18 years old to be in that select group and to be marked like that shows he is a real threat, and also a great talent,” said JLT Condor team leader, Russ Downing.