Simon Yates sealed victory in La Vuelta on this present day in 2018 to finish a British clear sweep of the yr’s Grand Tours.
The 26-year-old Bury racer headed into the largely processional last stage into Madrid with a one minute and 46 seconds lead and prevented any late mishaps to land his first Grand Tour title.
Yates’ success adopted that of Chris Froome on the Giro d’Italia and Geraint Thomas on the Tour de France to spherical off an unprecedented yr for British biking.
The three titles had by no means earlier than been held by three riders from the identical nation.
Yates mentioned: “It’s astonishing really. Growing up I was so accustomed to seeing the French, Italian and Spanish riders lead the way, so for myself, Chris and Geraint to all win a Grand Tour in the same year just shows how far the sport has come in this country.”
Froome, whose Tour-Vuelta double in 2017 meant British riders had at that time received 5 Grand Tours in a row, paid tribute to Yates’ achievement, saying: “Simon has looked so strong over the last three weeks and it’s great to see him take home the maillot rojo. It’s been a perfect year for British riders.”
