Simon Yates says he'll continue to be aggressive as he edges towards Vuelta victory
The British Vuelta leader is becoming renowned for his aggressive riding - even when he's winning


Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) may be in the Vuelta a España race lead, but he promises more aggression as the race faces its final mountain stage in Andorra.
Yates gained over a minute on his closest rival Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) in a long-range attack on the Rabassa climb in Andorra on Friday.
He started the day 25 seconds ahead overall and he ended it with 1-38.
"When I try and defend the jersey, it never seems to go to plan," Simon Yates said in a press truck parked by the podium where he received another red jersey.
"So I tried to be more aggressive, and that's the way I like to race, so I'll continue to do that."
Valverde's Movistar team-mate Nairo Quintana attacked first at 13 kilometres and Yates bridged to his trio at 10 kilometres with a lethal attack.
Valverde, the 38-year-old Spaniard and Yates' closest rival, could not respond.
Yates, said he felt the "good moment" to get across to 2016 winner Quintana, Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) and Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL-Jumbo).
"There were a few guys ahead and it felt like a really good moment to across to those guys," Yates added. "And that was it really, from there a bloc to the finish."
Much attention is given to how Yates spends his energy in the Vuelta after he fell spectacularly out of the race lead at the Giro d'Italia in May.
He looked ready to win the Giro, but after 13 days in the pink jersey he faltered on stage 19 and an experienced Chris Froome took control to Rome.
"I know well how everything can change in one day. The race doesn't finish until Madrid," Yates said.
"I have to be careful. It's going to be a very difficult day tomorrow in Andorra."
Yates is from Bury but bases himself in Andorra, and knows the 20th stage well.
It covers six climbs with the Gallina summit finish, making it harder to control.
The stage climbs immediately and runs a relatively short 97.3 kilometres.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
-
Tour de France 2022 start list: Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič and Wout Van Aert all line up for the 109th edition
The squads of all 22 teams starting in Denmark in the battle for the yellow jersey
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Annemiek van Vleuten to retire at end of 2023
The Dutchwoman has signed a one-year contract extension with Movistar for the final season of her professional career
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Simon Yates misses out on Tour de France selection
Team BikeExchange-Jayco opt for sprint focussed line-up focused on Dylan Groenewegen
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Simon Yates abandons Giro d'Italia with ongoing knee issue
Team BikeExchange-Jayco rider won two stages, but missed out on GC challenge
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Simon Yates wins stage 14 of the Giro d'Italia with late attack
The British rider picked up his second stage win of this year's race
By Pete Trifunovic • Published
-
Simon Yates to target stage wins after ending general classification challenge at Giro d'Italia
Team BikeExchange-Jayco rider to hunt stage wins in final two weeks
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Injury and heat see Simon Yates drop out of Giro d'Italia contention
Yates says he'll assess his injury after Monday's rest day
By Richard Windsor • Published
-
'I just tried to go as fast as possible' — Simon Yates on his Giro d'Italia time trial win
Team BikeExchange-Jayco rider beat Mathieu van der Poel by three seconds
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Simon Yates refuses to comment on being among Giro d'Italia favourites: 'I’ll let you guys make that decision'
Yates also refused to enter into any chat about being tipped as the bookies' second favourite to win the race
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Simon Yates aims for podium at Giro d'Italia
Team BikeExchange-Jayco build team around Briton as he chases top-three again
By Adam Becket • Published