Simon Yates’ triumphant kiss of the Giro d’Italia trophy, while donning the leader’s pink jersey, marked the culmination of a complex relationship.
Simon Yates’ affection for the Giro d’Italia is undeniable, yet his past experiences could be described as tumultuous.
Even within the context of cycling’s inherent challenges, the Giro has presented Yates with an unusual degree of adversity.
In 2018, he appeared poised for victory only to experience a dramatic decline just two days before the Rome finish.
Subsequent years were marred by illness, injury, and inconsistent performance.
His return this year, after a two-year hiatus, marked him as a strong contender, though not a pre-race favorite.
Perhaps absence did indeed sharpen his resolve; his determination to conquer this demanding race was clearly intensified.
Following a consistently strong performance, Yates’ bold attack on stage 20 secured the maglia rosa – the leader’s jersey – for the first time since his 2018 setback.
On Sunday in Rome, he crossed the finish line in pink, claiming his second Grand Tour title, adding to his 2018 Vuelta a España victory.
Yates’ challenging journey with the Giro ultimately concluded with a well-deserved victory.
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Tears flowed freely from Yates upon crossing the Sestriere finish line on Saturday, continuing throughout his post-race interviews.
“I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my career and life to this race, and there have been numerous setbacks,” the typically stoic 32-year-old shared.
Setbacks is a considerable understatement.
An unspectacular eighth-place finish in 2019. A forced withdrawal due to Covid-19 in 2020.
A challenging 2021 campaign, culminating in a strong final week and a third-place overall finish. A knee injury sustained in a 2022 crash leading to his race abandonment.
However, his 2018 experience remains the most poignant.
In 2018, he led for 13 days, winning three stages, but on stage 19 plummeted from first to 18th overall, as Chris Froome staged a remarkable comeback en route to his sole Giro title. Yates ultimately finished 21st.
Poignantly, it was on the same Colle delle Finestre climb where he faltered seven years prior that Yates seized his opportunity, distancing rivals Isaac del Toro and Richard Carapaz to claim victory.
Yates later revealed he had privately targeted this climb since the route announcement, aiming to “conclude that chapter” from 2018, despite not having ridden it since.
Even then, he anticipated a stage win, not the overall victory.
His intentions remained understated, and his return to the Finestre wasn’t the dominant pre-stage 20 narrative. The focus was on the anticipated showdown between Del Toro and Carapaz.
This lack of attention inadvertently benefited Yates, allowing him to break away.
Visma secured three stage wins and the overall title in the 2025 Giro.
Having declined an offer from Team Sky upon turning professional in 2014, Bury-born Yates and his twin brother Adam joined Orica–GreenEdge.
Adam departed at the end of 2020, but Simon remained with the team (now Jayco–AlUla) until the end of last season, accepting a pay cut to join Visma-Lease a Bike.
Visma’s Grand Tour experience proved invaluable to Yates. The Dutch team boasts four Vuelta, two Tour de France, and now two Giro victories since 2019.
Their strategic deployment of generational talent Wout van Aert to assist Yates in overcoming his rivals on Saturday’s final climb was masterful.
Yates’ Giro history wasn’t solely defined by setbacks. He secured six individual stage wins between 2018 and 2022, often displaying a thrilling attacking style.
This year differed. He adopted a more measured approach, striking at the opportune moment.
He never achieved a higher than third-place stage finish and didn’t enter the top 10 overall until stage seven.
He’s the first Giro winner since Alberto Contador in 2015 to not also win a stage.
He moved into second on stage 14 and, despite slipping to third on stage 17, his measured approach appeared fruitful, with 2019 champion Carapaz undertaking most of the attacking.
Then came stage 19. Yates lost further time and expressed visible frustration at the finish, citing his team’s failure to adhere to their agreed strategy.
Entering the penultimate stage, he trailed Del Toro by one minute and 21 seconds.
The sense of impending defeat, reminiscent of Rory McIlroy’s final round at the Masters, was palpable. Yates’ chances seemed extinguished.
Even his brother Adam opposed him, supporting Del Toro of UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
However, Yates demonstrated maturity by apologizing to his team before Saturday’s start, acknowledging his own performance shortcomings, and channeling that frustration as Visma’s plan unfolded flawlessly.
Dropping to third likely proved advantageous; Del Toro and Carapaz engaged in a somewhat perplexing marking duel, allowing Yates to break clear.
Regardless of their tactics, Yates proved the strongest and most astute when it mattered.
Yates’ partner missed her initial flight to Italy on Saturday due to watching his race, joining him for the Rome celebrations on Sunday.
Similar to McIlroy, Yates wept before embracing a smile upon realizing his hard-earned victory.
He displayed a broad grin in Rome, while also offering insightful perspective on his achievement.
“Many can relate to this story, having lost the race back in 2018,” he stated before the final stage. “The way I’ve overcome this, I believe, has resonated deeply with people.”
He’s set to support teammate Jonas Vingegaard in this year’s Tour, aiming for a third title, with Yates potentially targeting stage wins.
This victory might propel him to further Grand Tour successes; it might not.
Much will be said about redemption, but Yates didn’t disgrace himself in previous Giro attempts. He was simply outmatched by misfortune and superior competitors.
The poetic justice of this year’s Giro allowed him to complete his personal narrative.
As Yates stated: “Life comes around, it gives and it takes.”
This isn’t redemption, but release.
Relief.
Rejoicing.
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