"We knew Vingegaard was strong but we gave it a try to do something" - Adam Yates settles for second place at Criterium du Dauphiné

Adam Yates is setting off for the Tour de France as a domestique, but given the opportunity he looked very sharp at the Criterium du Dauphiné. He has finished second to Pogacar's rival Jonas Vingegaard, having shown his form on the climbs with a strong and consistent performance.

“We knew Vingegaard was strong but we gave it a try to do something," the Briton said, having attacked the Col de Porte on the final day of the race, attempting an unlikely but possible raid on the yellow jersey. Ultimately it didn't prove successful, but he comfortably kept his second place on the final day of the week. "It has been a good week. We rode well as a team all week. Step by step we get better. We are now taking some rest and hopefully we can take another step," Yates told CyclingPro.net after the conclusion of the race.

After finishing third on the UAE Tour and winning the Tour de Romandie, it comes as another big result for the 30-year who was signed from INEOS this winter. He's shown better legs than most in a field which included the majority of the GC contenders for the Tour de France, a great sign for his and UAE Team Emirates' ambitions ahead of the Grand Boucle, where he is expected to be the main support rider for Pogacar in the mountains.

He won't be leading the team and unlikely to eye the overall classification. “There is still pressure, there is still stress. You have to be in top shape at the start. Maybe I don't have to risk my life as much as I used to, but you still have to be in the right position at the right time to do your job," he concludes. "It remains stressful. Hopefully it will be a nice experience. But first I'll rest for four or five days."