The Mitchelton-Scott rider, who joins Ineos next season, has arguably been less successful than his twin, Simon, but now he leads the Tour de France this could be his moment
There were two surprises after Wednesday’s finish when Adam Yates pulled on the yellow jersey of the Tour de France, which he wore into the first Pyrenean stage of the race on Saturday. The obvious shock was in the way that Yates was awarded the maillot jaune – the passive verb is important here – when Julian Alaphilippe and his Deceuninck–Quick-Step team made an unlikely unforced error that earned the French favourite a time penalty. More disconcerting perhaps was the fact it has taken the best part of seven professional seasons before either Adam or his twin brother, Simon, wore the most fabled jersey in cycling.
The group of Britons who have worn the maillot jaune is select, each among the greatest bike racers to have been produced by these shores. The list starts with Tom Simpson, who held it for a single day in 1962, but whose other honours include the world road title and a string of one-day Classics: Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Bordeaux-Paris, Giro di Lombardia. Chris Boardman (1994, 1997, 1998) was an Olympic gold medallist in 1992 and his work at British Cycling and as the mayor of Manchester’s cycling supremo make him arguably the most influential racer Britain has produced.
Related: Tour de France 2020: Adam Yates clings tight to yellow on day of drama
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