Adam and Simon Yates Set to Play Crucial Roles in Cycling’s Biggest Battle
With just days remaining until cycling’s pinnacle event, the 2025 Tour de France, attention is squarely fixed on the anticipated showdown between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. But according to recently retired French star Romain Bardet, the key to this duel might lie not in the headline contenders themselves, but in the performances of their strongest domestiques—British twins Adam and Simon Yates.
Brothers Turned Rivals in New Roles
Speaking exclusively with TNT Sports from his new role aboard a TV motorbike, Bardet offered his expert insight into the crucial supporting roles the Yates brothers are set to play. “From the outside, it seems they’re entering this Tour with a completely different mindset,” Bardet notes, highlighting how their changing responsibilities could impact the race’s outcome.
Simon Yates: Visma’s Secret Weapon
Simon Yates enters the Tour riding a wave of confidence after clinching his second Grand Tour victory at the Giro d’Italia earlier this season. According to Bardet, Simon has found his stride at Team Visma | Lease a Bike, surrounded by one of the strongest climbing units in the peloton. “Simon’s riding probably the best form of his career right now. He’s there as the ‘joker’—joining climbers like Sepp Kuss, Matteo Jorgenson, and Jonas himself. Visma is clearly aiming for victory, and Simon is key to their strategy,” Bardet emphasized.
Adam Yates: The Proven Domestique with Podium Ambitions
Adam Yates, meanwhile, comes to this year’s Tour with proven domestique credentials, despite a challenging Giro that saw him finish 12th. Bardet believes Adam’s ability to recover and perform could make or break UAE Team Emirates – XRG’s race plan. “Adam has consistently shown he can thrive in this role, even landing on the podium in past Tours. He’ll be crucial for Pogacar alongside Joao Almeida, and after Pogacar launches his attacks, Adam might seize opportunities to chase his own high GC placement.”
A Mental Game as Much as Physical
Bardet concludes by underlining the different psychological approaches of the twins this year. “Mentally, Adam and Simon Yates are approaching the Tour in contrasting mindsets. How they each respond to their roles could determine the dynamics of the Pogacar-Vingegaard battle,” Bardet stated.
For cycling fans, the stage is set: the Yates brothers aren’t just domestiques this year—they might well decide the destiny of cycling’s greatest prize.
Follow all the thrilling developments of the 2025 Tour de France at TipsGG for in-depth analysis and expert insights.