Scott Davies was rewarded for a brave ride on the second stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain as he took the King of the Mountains jersey.
The Carmarthenshire rider was part of a five man breakaway from which he made a solo bid for the stage win when it was reduced to three riders.
Davies was caught a few miles from the finish in Barnstaple, but managed to hang on to the main group to cross the line in 11th spot.
The Team Dimension Date rider, 23, also picked up the day’s combatively award for his battling ride.
Davies said: “I thought there may be a slight chance (of hanging on for a win) because if it came down to a sprint I was never going to win it, I may as well have a go and see how it went.
“We’re going to get stuck in this week and carry on racing aggressively and hopefully we come away with a jersey or two.”
Australia’s Cameron Meyer (Mitchleton-Scott) won the stage with Alessandro Tonelli (Bardiani-CSF) second with Davies crossing the line 14 seconds down.
Steve Williams was 26th on the stage, 39 seconds down on the winner, with Geraint Thomas 60th (3:32) and Jon Mound 111th (11:54)
Davies is also 11th overall (+0:22), Williams is 30th (+0:49), Thomas 62nd (+3:32) and Mould 88th (+12:04)
Stage Three is a 79.53 leg that starts and finishes on Ladies Mile at Clifton Down in Bristol.