Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) has dropped out of overall contention at the Giro d’Italia today, unable to follow the group of favourites on the Cimo Coppi climb on the queen stage of this year’s Tour.
Having already won three stages and spent 13 days in the race lead, Yates succumbed to fatigue as Chris Froome (Team Sky) powered away for an 80km solo victory to take the Maglia Rosa from the Mitchelton-Scott rider.
“At the start there was no signs of anything wrong. I was just tired, extremely exhausted and that’s bike riding unfortunately. I tried to manage (the gap) but I really had nothing to give”, said Yates.
“I gave everything today, it’s just how it is. But I’ll be back.
“It obviously hurts, but I have said all along that this is how I needed to ride this Giro to try to win it and if I achieved nothing more I can still be happy. And I will be.”
