Simon Yates breaks the silence: "Me flying under the radar doesn't have to be a disadvantage"
Cycling
If there's one potential contender who has flown under the radar in the lead-up to the Tour de France, it's Simon Yates. The British rider for Team Jayco AlUla didn't finish the second stage of the Tour de Romandie on April 26th, due to some unruly stomach problems, and he has kept himself shrouded in mystery since then. However, two days before the Tour, he suddenly reappeared, sharp as a knife. At IDLProCycling.com, we were all ears for what he had to say.
A seventh-place finish in five participations, that's Yates' best result in the Tour de France thus far. In recent years, he has often focused on the Giro d'Italia, his favorite Grand Tour. So why is he back in France now? "I felt the winds of change blowing. In past years, I mainly focused on the Giro, which is still a race close to my heart. With a different season buildup, I was able to participate in races like the Tour de Romandie and Tour of the Basque Country, which I also enjoy."
However, after his withdrawal from the Swiss stage race, there was a long period of silence surrounding the British rider. "I faced some health hiccups during the preparation, so we decided to stay at altitude. We believed that a high-altitude training camp would be the best preparation. I was able to put in some solid training there and get myself ready for the Tour that way."
When asked, Yates admits that the words 'general classification' aren't at the front of his mind. "We'll take it as it comes. It's been a long time since I last went for a general classification in the Tour," says the climber. "As we progress in the race, we'll see how I develop. Personally, I wouldn't mind pursuing other goals, such as hunting for stage wins from breakaways."
Yates, like other climbers, sees opportunities in early Tour stages
In the first days, Yates - who has been successful multiple times in the Basque Country in the past - also sees opportunities. "I'm looking forward to the challenging start here in the Basque Country, which will likely alleviate some of the pressure. A Tour start is always a wild affair, but it seems to be a bit more selective than a start in, let's say, Normandy or Brittany."
He also keeps a watchful eye on the opening weekend, with finishes in Bilbao and San Sebastian. "I think every climber sees the first two stages as an option. It's not often that you get the chance to grab the yellow jersey in the first stage of the Tour, so I believe many riders are going to race aggressively. For me, it's a very good opportunity. I always enjoy racing in the Basque Country - the fans are phenomenal. They truly love the sport, and it's wonderful to see."
Finally, Yates acknowledges that he may not be moved towards the front as often as in recent Grand Tours, but it doesn't bother him much. "My mindset isn't any different from other Grand Tours. I still have the same focus, and me flying under the radar doesn't have to be a disadvantage. On the contrary, even."
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024