British Team to Have Twin Challenge for Cycling Worlds
LONDON (AFP) - Twins Simon and Adam Yates will spearhead Britain's challenge at the Cycling Road World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria, later this month, British Cycling announced on Wednesday.
Simon, who is leading the Tour of Spain, and Adam have assumed the leadership roles with both four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome and this year's Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas having opted not to compete.
Both the 26-year-old brothers have targeted the championships -- which get underway on September 26 -- believing the mountainous terrain is suited to their talents.
"We've selected a strong team to take on this year's world championships, and there's a lot of talent within the squad," said performance director Stephen Park.
"Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas are obvious omissions from the men's team, and this was a decision we made mutually.
"Given the challenging nature of the course, we want every rider selected to be able to give their 100% to the team, and on the back of what has been an incredible season for both G (Geraint Thomas) and Froomey, it's understandable they are unable to commit to this."
Simon Yates leads in Spain going into the closing stages and he will be hoping for a happier outcome than this year's Giro where he led at one point before fading to finish 21st,
*****Simon Yates leads the Vuelta and won three stages at the Giro d'Italia in May
Simon, who is leading the Tour of Spain, and Adam have assumed the leadership roles with both four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome and this year's Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas having opted not to compete.
Both the 26-year-old brothers have targeted the championships -- which get underway on September 26 -- believing the mountainous terrain is suited to their talents.
"We've selected a strong team to take on this year's world championships, and there's a lot of talent within the squad," said performance director Stephen Park.
"Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas are obvious omissions from the men's team, and this was a decision we made mutually.
"Given the challenging nature of the course, we want every rider selected to be able to give their 100% to the team, and on the back of what has been an incredible season for both G (Geraint Thomas) and Froomey, it's understandable they are unable to commit to this."
Simon Yates leads in Spain going into the closing stages and he will be hoping for a happier outcome than this year's Giro where he led at one point before fading to finish 21st,
*****Simon Yates leads the Vuelta and won three stages at the Giro d'Italia in May