"I’m gutted" - Stephen Williams reveals health issues will take him out of the Tour de France

Stephen Williams is one of the best classics riders in the peloton and one who would love the many steep hilltop finishes at this year's Tour de France, but the Welshman will not be present. Williams has been suffering lingering health issues that ultimately take him out of the competition.

"Hi everyone, the 2025 season hasn’t gone to plan, so I want to share a bit of an update about why I haven’t been racing," Williams shared in an Instagram message. "Since the start of my season in Australia, I’ve had an issue with my right knee, a quadriceps tendonopothy, which is very tricky to manage, and it hasn’t resolved."

"I was able to come back for Giro d’Abruzzo and the Ardennes but since then, things still aren’t completely right. Unfortunately, this means I won’t be able to race the national championships in Wales, or the Tour De France".

After a brilliant 2024 where he won Flèche Wallonne, Tour Down Under and the Tour of Britain; the 29-year old hoped to be able to follow that up this year but he hasn't been able to achieve any meaningful result. In April it was evident that he didn't have the form, but he wasn't able to build on it in the meantime.

"I’m gutted to miss them, especially racing Nationals in front of a home crowd. But, I’m working really hard to get back to full fitness with the support of the team and I hope I’ll be back on the start line soon. As a cyclist, the only thing you want to do is race so this season has been incredibly frustrating, but I know that these things can’t be rushed," the Israel - Premier Tech rider aknowledges. "A big thanks to everyone in the team, and the support of great people externally. I hope to be back soon".