Yates eagerly anticipates new chapter in colours of Team Visma | Lease a Bike
With the experienced Simon Yates, Team Visma | Lease a Bike strengthened its roster for the grand tours and stage races. The 32-year-old former overall winner of the Vuelta a España is ready for his first season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike, in which he is aiming high straight away. “I want to be the best version of myself.”
Yates, who has so far spent his entire professional career riding in Australian payroll, is eagerly looking forward to his first races in the Team Visma | Lease a Bike shirt. “It's always exciting to leave a familiar environment behind you”, Yates says. “I rode with the same team for a long time, but this was a decision I had to make. I want to be the best version of myself, which is possible within this team. It was a great experience to get to know all the new faces, but also to test out the equipment.”
"I want to keep improving myself"
“I already notice that the team places enormous value on a perfect environment and on details”, he adds. “The approach was definitely one of the reasons why I chose this team. I want to keep improving myself. It is often in the smallest details, so that is definitely where I can still make gains. I am therefore looking forward to the start of the season.”
“Normally I start in Tirreno-Adriatico, a stage race I already managed to win once in 2020”, he continues. “I haven't been there for a while in the meantime, so I'm happy I'll be able to race there again. Shortly after that, I'm heading to the Volta a Catalunya. As always, that will be a tough but beautiful race.”
The Giro d'Italia is already duly noted in Yates' agenda. The Briton was previously third on the final podium of the grand tour and he has already won six stages there. “My biggest goal in 2025 will be the Giro. It's a race I have a lot of memories of - good and bad - so it inspires me to go for it once again.
“The next goal for me will be the Tour de France, where I want to help Jonas (Vingegaard) secure another overall victory. It's exciting to soon be part of the team around someone like Jonas. I am motivated to assist him. I expect another battle against Tadej Pogacar, a teammate of my twin brother Adam. Both my brother and I will have the same role in support of our leaders, so that will be something to look forward to”, Yates concludes with a smile.
Program Simon Yates
Tirreno-Adriatico
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya
Giro d'Italia
Tour de France
