"We will do everything we can to defend the jersey" - Stephen Williams in Arctic Race of Norway lead after hilltop win

The Arctic Race of Norway found once again a brutal set of conditions this afternoon but it favoured a Welshman who is fond of it. Stephen Williams proved to be the strongest on the day and has taken over the race lead ahead of the final day.

“The weather was very demanding and in the last hour and a half it was freezing cold, especially with all those descents. That's why it's nice to finish it after all the work the team has done," Williams said in a post-race interview. "We were in good position all day and I am happy to be able to pay them back like this. It is also my first victory for my new team. I was very confident for the final climb and Dylan Teuns did an excellent lead-out. The headwind was still difficult, but I am very happy that I was able to put my hands in the air.”

Williams was one of the few riders who managed to benefit from the harsh conditions. Despite being in the middle of August, the weather conditions are not too nice near the arctic circle. In the final ascent Israel - Premier Tech had numbers, Dylan Teuns rode in the front as the group slowly moved towards the finish, and in what ended up being a sprint finish Williams crossed the line first, beating Clément Champoussin and Christian Scaroni.

His gap to several riders is very small and can prove to be a challenge on the final day of the race, however he enters it in the lead. Williams has one second over Scaroni of Astana and Israel have a strong team to protect his ambitions. “One more day to go. We will do everything we can to defend the jersey. Hopefully everything will go according to plan," he concluded.