Simon Yates relishes new energy at Team Visma | Lease a Bike: "I just don’t want the peloton to leave me behind"

2025 is a pivotal year for Simon Yates, as he embarks on a new chapter with Team Visma | Lease a Bike. The British rider made the high-profile move over the winter, joining the Dutch team in the hope of helping Jonas Vingegaard challenge Tadej Pogacar, who in turn is supported by Yates’ twin brother, Adam, at UAE Team Emirates – XRG.

Speaking to RIDE Magazine, Yates explained that his role within Visma | Lease a Bike will not be drastically different from what he has been used to.

"I have an open role here. Of course, Jonas Vingegaard rides here, and a number of other guys have won much bigger races than I have. Or anyone else. I like to help them. Also, if one of our young talents makes a breakthrough, I like to support them too. But I also continue to perform my role as a GC rider. We will see how that unfolds."

For Yates, the timing of this move felt crucial. At 31 years old, he is aware that he is approaching the latter stages of his prime, making this transition an important gamble.

"This was the moment. I’m not getting any younger. I don’t know how much longer I’ll have my best legs. That’s why I wanted to change teams. And preferably to a team that knows exactly what to do in – let’s put it this way – modern cycling. We’ll have to wait and see how that works for me. But the first period went very well. We’ll know more soon."

With a Grand Tour victory already to his name, having won the 2018 Vuelta a España, Yates has little left to prove, yet he remains determined to stay competitive at the highest level.

"To be honest, I’m very happy with my career so far. I’ve been able to do a lot. I just don’t want the peloton to leave me behind. That’s the most important thing for me. I still believe I have the legs to create fantastic results. But that has to happen now. In two to four years, that could all be over. I couldn’t miss this opportunity."

A fresh start with a new approach is what excites him most about 2025, as he looks to see whether Visma’s training philosophy and meticulous preparation can help him reach another level.

"To be honest, what I’m most looking forward to this season is whether the new approach works for me," he continues. "You know, I’ve been a pro for so long. It’s not often – I don’t think ever – that I’ve gone in a completely different direction. It would be really nice if this works and then see what I can do with it. I’ve never been that far from the best riders in the world. Maybe this approach based on training, nutrition, and organization will help me get better."