Simon Yates shows impressive form with solo victory at GP Miguel Indurain

24-year-old broke away in the final 10km of the Spanish one-day race

Simon Yates wins GP Miguel Indurain
(Image credit: TDWSport/Orica-Scott)

Simon Yates showed some impressive form to finish off some excellent teamwork by Orica-Scott at the GP Miguel Indurain, with the Briton soloing to victory in the Spanish one-day race on Saturday.

The 24-year-old broke away from a reduced group with 10km to go and managed to increase his gap to the chase group up to the finish, managing to hold off Michael Woods (Cannondale-Drapac) and Paris-Nice winner Sergio Henao (Team Sky).

Orica has managed to get Roman Kreuziger in the early breakaway of the 186km race, which acts as a precursor to the Tour of the Basque Country on Monday.

When that break was eventually caught with 50km to go, numerous attacks came on the following climbs, with none sticking.

It wasn't until 20km to go that a nine man group was able to jump clear, with Yates and his teammates Damien Howson and Carlos Verona managing to make it in.

The gap back to peloton held at around 30 seconds, before Yates was able to make the decisive attack with 10km to go.

“It was a hard race today, at the start with the wind and the rain but the team rode really well, protecting me at all times,” Yates said.

“Roman Kreuziger went into the main break which was great for us, it meant we could sit in the wheels and save energy.”

“On the climbs the guys were always there and we made it a hard race so I am extremely happy to win today.

“Next I have Pais Vasco and I hope I can ride well there and maybe get another victory, I am looking forward to it.”

It's Yates' second win of the season after he broke away to take a stage win at Paris-Nice in March.

Results

Gran Premio Miguel Indurain

1. Simon Yates (Orica-Scott), in 4-34-01

2. Michael Woods (Cannondale-Drapac), at 23s

3. Sergio Henao (Team Sky), at 23s

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Richard Windsor

Follow on Twitter: @richwindy


Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.


An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).