Adam Yates: "If I had the same level in the Tour a few years ago, I could have won some really nice races"

The level of climbing in pro cycling currently is superior to that of several years ago. A constant rise means riders from the 2010's who continue to race often struggle against the upcoming generations. Adam Yates however found even better results, and rues not having this level when he first came out in the scene.

“I think it’s planning with the team, the consistency with everything around me as well. My level is not much higher than previous years but when I go to a race now I can find this level, come back, have a rest and have the same level," Yates said in an interview with Rouleur. "I know what works for me, what I should and shouldn’t do. Now I have a plan, a nutrition plan, and I know the certain time of year when I go to altitude.”

The Briton had shown himself as a very strong climber from a young age, performing both in Grand Tours and stage-races, but often finding his best level away from the three weeks. Signing with UAE Team Emirates into 2023 it felt like a move towards a domestique role, but the truth is that the 31-year old has had his best season ever. What clicked? “I think it was a little bit of everything. Especially some of the race calendar stuff. Like here, I know what I’m gonna do for the rest of the year, but at Ineos it all took a little bit longer. There was politics involved, I guess, with different calendars," Yates continued.

But at UAE all the pieces fit together, not only did he finish on the podium of the Tour de France, he also won the first stage and even led the race for some days. “After so many years coming close, it was a big relief. It was a super nice experience and I got the yellow jersey to go with it too.” Yates won the Tour de Romandie and GP Montréal this year, and finished at the podium of the UAE Tour, Criterium du Dauphiné and Tour de France. The latter, he still finished on the podium despite having Tadej Pogacar as the team leader. 

“Also in terms of wins. The level I won at was a super high one. If I had the same level in the Tour a few years ago, I could have won some really nice races," he believes. "If I took this shape to a different Grand Tour, take one more step forward, why can’t I take the top step?" Hence, 2024 could be a very interesting year if Yates finds his best form once again.

He will do the Tour-Vuelta combination, co-leading with three other riders in France, and with João Almeida in Spain. “Only five years ago or so, riders were peaking between 28 and 32, and this season I hope to take one more step forward. Sport at the highest level is dedication, but as long as you enjoy going to races, perform at your best, you won’t have any regrets.”