'I couldn’t hold back the tears' – Simon Yates lays Giro d'Italia ghosts to rest on Colle delle Finestre as epic ride earns pink jersey
Published 31/05/2025 at 18:32 GMT+1
In 2018, Simon Yates lost the pink jersey on the climb of Colle delle Finestre in the Giro d'Italia, and he has now laid that heartbreaking memory to rest as he sparkled on the same climb in Stage 20 of this year's Grand Tour in Italy. The 32-year-old dropped his challengers at on Saturday, and looks poised to collect the victory after Sunday's run into Rome
Highlights: Simon Yates detonates on Colle delle Finestre to take thrilling Giro win
Video credit: TNT Sports
A tearful Simon Yates (Visma-Lease a Bike) was scarcely able to believe his triumph as he laid his Giro d'Italia ghosts to rest with a stunning ride on Stage 20, which leaves him poised to win the race.
In 2018, Yates imploded on the Colle delle Finestre to give up the the pink jersey, but seven years later, on the same climb, he all but landed the second Grand Tour of his career.
The 32-year-old Briton dropped his rivals, Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost), and then worked expertly with team-mate Wout van Aert to deliver a knockout blow to his opponents.
Yates broke away from his rivals, who were more focused on each other, establishing a two-minute lead as he approached the summit in the Alps.
The Briton then found Van Aert, who had dropped back from the breakaway to wait for him, and the Belgian guided him superbly to add to Yates’ lead. With a processional stage in Rome awaiting on Sunday, Yates has an insurmountable advantage.
Speaking to TNT Sports' Adam Blythe, an emotional Yates said: "Once the route was released I always had it in the back of my mind that maybe I could come here and close the chapter. Maybe not to take the jersey but at least the stage and show myself the way I can do.
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‘I really didn’t believe’ – Simon Yates reacts to EPIC Giro win
Video credit: TNT Sports
"But to pull it off... I have to thank the team because they really did believe in me. We've always had guys up the road almost every day and today was another one of those days, and a crucial moment."
Asked when realisation of his effort dawned on him, Yates said: "To be honest, 200 metres to go, I was on the radio asking for the time gap, I never truly believed until the very last moment. Bit speechless really.
"It's still sinking in, I'm not really an emotional person but coming over the finish I couldn't hold back the tears. It's something I worked towards throughout my career year after year, and a lot of setbacks, so finally managed to pull it off."
'It's incredible' - Van Aert delighted for 'brave' Yates
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‘What a ride!’ – Tears flow as Simon Yates gets redemption on ‘day of destiny’ at Giro
Video credit: TNT Sports
Van Aert celebrated an "incredible" moment for Yates and praised his "brave" attempt.
He stated: "It's incredible. We didn't really think about it this morning.
"Such a brave effort from Simon to go all in from so far. I love it when people are not racing for a place of honour, so chapeau for him. Once I was in the breakaway and we had such an advantage, I knew I had a small chance to make it over the Finestre and of course I am happy I was valuable, but it's the effort of the whole team."
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Visma sports director Marc Reef hailed Van Aert for his decisive contribution, explaining: "Simon had the legs today. As a team, we did the right things. It was a small chance that someone off the break could go out for the top, but we still wanted to go for the chance.
"Wout was in, he was sharp at the start and in the end he was the game changer. The rest of the boys also did a good job."
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