Caleb Ewan shows his big potential at the Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic

YOUNG gun Caleb Ewan has underscored his massive potential, winning the Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic series today.

YOUNG gun Caleb Ewan has underscored his massive potential, winning the Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic series today.

The 18-year-old didn't win the final stage at Williamstown, that honour went to Orica GreenEDGE's Mitch Docker, but he didn't have to - his fifth-placed finish was enough to win the series he so nearly claimed last year by nine points.

The Bikebug rider finished on 23 points, Greg Henderson (New Zealand national team) came second on 14 points, while Docker's 12 points for his win was enough to give him third on a countback over teammate Jens Mouris.

Ewan won two stages in last year's event, but lost out for overall honours to Allan Davis by a single point.

He won just the one stage this year, the series opener in Geelong on Tuesday night, but a sixth in Portarlington yesterday and fifth today proved consistency wins over fleeting flair.

The New South Welshman said the achievement was "right up there'' in terms of what he has achieved in his short career.

"Just to come here and race the pros after they've come back from Europe _ you see them in the Tour and all those big races _ to race them and beat them at my age, I can't really explain it,'' Ewan said.

"It's just a real honour.''

Docker led from start to finish in sweltering conditions at Williamstown and in doing so he won the green jersey for the bay crits' leading sprinter.

He was out on his own for the first 15 minutes and was then joined for the duration of the race by Team SASI's Harry Carpenter.

Docker led Carpenter through each of the intermediate sprints and then, most importantly, through the checkered flag to take his team's second stage victory in two days.

The Victorian said the green jersey was a nice addition to the day's prize haul.

"It's really unexpected,'' Docker said.

"I think it's great for the team. Last year we came with a lot of expectations and this year there's a little less pressure.

"Everyone seemed to fire up and we're ready to go for the nationals now, it's been a good lead up.''

MITCHELTON BAY CYCLING CLASSIC

Stage three: Williamstown

Men's

1. Mitch Docker (VIC) Orica GreenEDGE

2. Harry Carpenter (S.A) Team SASI

3. Greg Henderson (NZL) New Zealand national team

4. Shaun McCarthy (VIC) Budget Forklifts

5. Caleb Ewan (NSW) Bikebug

OVERALL STANDINGS

1. Caleb Ewan (NSW) Bikebug 23 points

2. Greg Henderson (NZL) New Zealand national team 14pts

3. Mitch Docker (VIC) Orica GreenEDGE 12pts

4. Jens Mouris (NED) Orica GreenEDGE 12pts

5. Graham Briggs (GBR) Great Britain national team 11pts