Sam Stewart-Ball continuing to shine in developing career

Sam Stewart-Ball’s fledgling career is only going from strength to strength as he continues to collect impressive results and achievements. 

Building on a strong 2024 in which he earned top spot in the Youth A / Under 16 Wales Circuit Championships in Pembrey, took the Welsh Championships Jersey, and finished third in front of huge crowds at the Otley Town Crits, Sam had accumulated more impressive results by the time we talked to him earlier this year.  

After representing Team Wales on the track in the Netherlands and finishing ninth overall and third on KOM in the Vlamertinge and De Klijte-Heuvelland in Belgium, 2025 has brought more highs for Sam. 

He’s enjoyed a 21st finish in the Tour De L’eure out in France and 6th in a Belgium National towards the end of the season for Shibden Apex RT, as well as coming 4th on two stages of the Junior Tour of Wales as he represented his country in August. 

“It’s been a really valuable year of racing and development for me and I’ve learnt a lot as a first year junior that I can take into next year to help me get some solid results in UCI races in Europe,” Sam told us. 

“These races have been amazing opportunities to test myself against strong international fields in Europe and continue to grow as a rider as I move into the second year juniors.” 

 

Sam was also accepted back onto the Welsh junior pathway for the third year in October, a decision swiftly justified as he claimed a second-placed finish in the Open B endurance in Round Two of the British National Track Series in Newport. 

A great result for his country, Sam will go on to represent Wales once more in January as he competes at the Apeldoorn next Gen track event in the Netherlands. 

“I am extremely proud to be on the Wales Academy Pathway,” stated Sam, “and really enjoy representing and wearing the Wales colours at races.  

“As an academy rider, I get access to coaching and other support structures, which is really helpful in my progression.” 

The Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust is proud to support riders like Sam in their progression. 

“I’m really grateful for the continued support I have received this year,” Sam told us, “which has made these experiences possible. 

“The funding has helped massively towards my race season, helping me compete in races abroad and around the UK as well as supporting the maintenance and upgrading of equipment as and when I’ve needed it.”