Stephen Williams takes the lead Down Under
Israel – Premier Tech leading first WorldTour race of 2024
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As perhaps the most famous climb in Australia, Willunga Hill always offers up some intense racing whenever the Santos Tour Down Under visits. And it was no different on Saturday when a small group of elite climbers fought it out for the stage win.
Israel – Premier Tech’s Stevie Williams surged late but was pipped at the line to take second place.
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“It was a tough final, as expected. We knew it would just be whittled down until the line and I found myself with good legs with 500 meters to go, in a perfect position. I slightly underestimated how far the finish line was from the last corner. Ideally I would have gone into that last corner first and could have held on but credit to Oscar Onley.”
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“I’m happy with my performance. I’m really proud of my teammates and how they backed me all day. It was such a great ride from everyone. Obviously, Corbin had a difficult day and had to withdraw which is a shame for us because he is another rider who could have done well on a finish like this.”
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His efforts netted him the leader’s ochre colored jersey with a hair’s width between him and the rider in second place overall. With one more climber’s stage to go, there’s everything still to play for. Three category 1 climbs and another summit finish will give the tightly-packed top-10 a chance to hope for an overall victory.
Racing on their OSTRO VAMs, the riders from Israel – Premier Tech will certainly be motivated to help Stevie defend his lead to take a maiden win at the Santos Tour Down Under.
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