Simon Yates hopes to participate in the Giro d’Italia again next year. The winner of the previous Giro said this during the route presentation in Rome. Whether the 33-year-old Brit will actually start on May 8, 2026, remains to be seen: decisions still need to be made by Visma | Lease a Bike.
"How many riders get to come to a Grand Tour wearing number one on their back? I think that’s quite unique," Yates replied to TNT Sports when asked if he’s looking forward to starting the Giro as the defending champion. "But behind the scenes, the team still has to make decisions about whether I will be there or not. But I would really love to defend my title."
Has Yates, like last year, already asked Visma | Lease a Bike if he can ride the Giro again? "I have to say, there are a lot of decisions being made behind the scenes. There are many discussions. I want to be there, but it’s not entirely my decision."
Yates switched last winter from Jayco AlUla to Visma | Lease a Bike. He immediately won the Giro after a spectacular final mountain stage. Afterward, the climber also contested the Tour de France. Although he mostly played a domestique role for Jonas Vingegaard there, he managed to take the tenth stage to Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy from an early breakaway.
