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WELSH rider Stephen Williams outgunned Julian Alaphilippe to win the second stage of the Tour of Britain in Redcar this afternoon.
Williams (Israel-Premier Tech) produced an impressive sprint to move past the former two-time world champion Alaphilippe (Soudal-QuickStep) in the closing stages before holding his hands aloft at the finish.
British duo Oscar Onley (Team DSM-Firmenich) and Joseph Blackmore (Israel-Premier Tech) finished third and fourth respectively following the 152.1 kilometre stage that started in Darlington.
Earlier this week, pro-Palestine activists accused Israel-Premier Tech of sportswashing Israel’s image during the race.
Around 30 people campaigned in Kelso before the start of stage one on Tuesday, the first of a series planned throughout the week, questioning the ProTeam’s participation while Israel continues its military occupation of Palestine.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Israel-Premier Tech said the team is “excited to race” and “respects everyone's right to free speech.”
The 28-year-old Williams’ win takes him to the top of the overall standings — six seconds clear of Onley — with Alaphilippe in third, 16 seconds back.
The third of six stages runs between Sheffield and Barnsley tomorrow. The Tour concludes in Felixstowe on Sunday.
