"To finish second in my first pro race is something amazing for me" - William Junior Lecerf on a surprise performance at AlUla Tour

William Junior Lecerf only needed one chance in the Soudal - Quick-Step jersey to show what he's capable of when the road goes up. The 21-year-old's attack on the slopes of Harrat Uwayrid surprised everyone and it briefly seemed that Lecerf could go all the way.

That was ultimately not the case as he was joined by three other riders over the top of the climb and things were moving towards a final sprint of this group. There, Simon Yates was the fastest, just ahead of Lecerf, which was enough for him to secure 2nd place overall at the AlUla Tour as well.

"It’s an incredible day for me. The team did a fantastic job, putting me in an excellent position at the bottom of the climb, and I want to thank them for that. I felt very good so I attacked on one of the steepest sections. When the others came across I knew we had a good chance of going all the way. It’s a pity I was a bit boxed in in the sprint, where I had the legs, but still, to finish second in my first pro race is something amazing for me. I am happy to be on the GC podium here," he said in press release after the race.