Simon Yates joins Visma–Lease a Bike - 'He can reach an even higher level'
Published 02/08/2024 at 14:40 GMT+1
Simon Yates is the latest arrival in a stacked Team Visma–Lease a Bike, which includes the likes of Jonas Vingegaard and Wout van Aert. Yates brings impressive pedigree to the team after a total of 10 Grand Tour stage wins. Sports director Grischa Niermann spoke in detail about the qualities which Yates will bring to the team, while the man himself is aiming to take his game to the next level.
Cycling - Tour de Suisse - Men - Stage 8 - Highlights eng
Video credit: TNT Sports
Simon Yates has agreed to join Team Visma–Lease a Bike in 2025 on a contract which will run until the end of 2026.
The climbing specialist will bolster Team Visma’s general classification squads at the three Grand Tours – Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana – alongside the one-week stage races.
Yates is a two-stage winner at the Tour, and has won six individual stages at the Giro, as well as one general classification at the Vuelta a Espana.
In total, Yates has managed 10 Grand Tour stage wins, with arguably his crowning moment coming in the form of a 2018 victory at the Vuelta.
“We are very pleased to have convinced someone with such a track record to choose our team,” said sports director Grischa Niermann in a statement on the team website.
“He is an excellent climber and a significant boost for our general classification squad. Simon will have the opportunity to go for his own results with us, but he will also be a valuable asset for the team in the mountains. We believe that with our way of working, he can reach an even higher level.”
This move ends an 11-season spell with Jayco AlUla after he made the grade as a professional with the Australian team.
It will also add a new dimension to the rivalry with twin brother Adam, who is a super domestique with UAE Team Emirates.
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Speaking about the move, he added: “This is a team I have admired for a long time and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to join. I’ve enjoyed much success in my career up to now and I look forward to continuing working hard and contributing to the success of the team.
“Despite the great time I have had with my current team, I felt it was time to change teams to keep improving myself and get the most out of myself. I look forward to meeting all my new teammates and staff and hit the ground running in 2025.”
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