'He's given me a few tricks and tips' – Giro d'Italia GC contender Adam Yates garners advice and tactics from brother Simon's victory

Adam Yates returns to the Giro d’Italia general classification (GC) battle in 2026 with renewed determination, drawing on both past experiences and recent family inspiration. The 32-year-old Briton will face the peloton at the foot of the notorious Blockhaus climb, a site of misfortune in 2017 when a crash involving a police motorbike dashed his Grand Tour ambitions. Despite setbacks, including a crash in last year’s Giro, Yates remains focused on avoiding mishaps and capitalising on his improved form and tactical nous. Since 2017, Yates has evolved significantly, switching teams twice and finding consistent success with UAE Team Emirates, highlighted by a podium finish at the 2023 Tour de France. This year, he steps up as the sole leader for UAE at the Giro after teammate João Almeida withdrew due to insufficient race condition. At 33, Yates acknowledges the increasing difficulty of winning as the sport accelerates but remains optimistic about his chances, emphasising the importance of staying out of trouble and seizing opportunities as they arise. Yates also draws motivation and practical advice from his brother Simon’s dramatic victory at the 2025 Giro, which saw a late-race ambush overturn expectations. The siblings maintain a close relationship, frequently exchanging insights on training and race tactics, with Simon’s recent return to training providing further support. This familial connection offers Adam both psychological encouragement and strategic guidance as he navigates the challenges of a Grand Tour. Operating as the undisputed leader of his team brings its own pressures, but Yates sees the absence of a clear race favourite in UAE’s ranks as a chance to adopt a more flexible approach. He plans to leverage the ambitions of younger teammates and the experience of veterans to pursue stage wins and overall success. With a competitive field expected, Yates is aware that the Giro’s unpredictable nature, especially in the third week, could present opportunities for a well-timed move. Looking ahead, Yates remains cautiously hopeful, recognising that the Giro’s early stages will be crucial to setting the tone for the race. His blend of experience, current form, and the tactical wisdom passed down from Simon positions him as a serious contender. While the competition will be fierce, Adam Yates aims to combine resilience and strategy to deliver a strong performance and potentially secure his first Grand Tour victory.