Aberystwyth’s own Stevie Williams became the first British cyclist to win La Flèche Wallonne in a brutal elongated and rain affected race.

Dubbed “The Welsh Wizard” by Ineos’ Luke Rowe on commentary, Williams looked strong throughout, breaking away on the penultimate ascent of the Mur de Hui, but it was the final metres where he made his legs tell.

Williams exploded from a reduced peloton with 300 metres to go, leaving former Giro d’Italia winner Richard Carapaz amongst others in his wake, for what was arguably the biggest win of his career.

Luke Rowe on his commentary debut for Discover plus had tipped his fellow Welshman to win the race on the back of good form having won the Tour Down Under in January.

Williams, 27, is in his second season with Israel-Premier Tech, having joined the team after a proposed move to B&B hotels fell through after the team collapsed in December 2022.

After years struggling with a knee injury he saw the move to Israel-Premier Tech as a fresh start and is now truly achieving the results he had promised as a youngster.

Speaking on Discovery plus after the race, an “exhausted” Williams seemed almost lost for words.

“I’m so happy right now, I can’t believe I’ve won La Flèche Wallonne,” said Williams.

“I’ve been watching this race for years and I’ve always wanted to come here with decent legs to try and win it.

“Today with the weather, I do enjoy racing in this kind of weather, and to come away with the victory I’m just over the moon.

“The boys backed me all day and put me in the best place to come away with the result and to get it is really special.”

Williams had broken free some 30 kilometres from the finish with an elite group that included Carapaz but their attack was reclaimed by the peloton leading to a group of 20 to 30 riders coming up to the finish and you would have been forgiven for thinking his matches were burnt.

However, in the final, Williams launched clear for his first Classics win.

“Everyone was waiting and I saw the 300m to go sign and thought if I can get a jump here and put five, 10 seconds into the group and see the line in front of me then it would give me a good chance to hang on,” said Williams.

“I was looking around a bit at the end because the legs were empty but I’m really happy to hold on.

“I’m exhausted, lost for words and quite emotional really. It’s a really hard sport and to win bike races is hard, especially classics.

“What a day.”