The second rest day meant the end of Simon Yates’ Tour de France debut, with Orica-GreenEDGE removing the 21-year-old after an eye-catching debut.
An unexpected late addition to the team, Yates spent two stages in the break and also showed himself on the front whenever Orica-GreenEDGE brought numbers forward.
He was also, for quite some part, in the leading group on stage two to the delight of the Yorkshire crowds.
Yates had not expected to play any part in the Tour this year and, indeed, but for injury earlier in the season and the failed doping test, and subsequent suspension, of Daryl Impey he would not have been.
But he has seized his opportunity in style and he has certainly made it difficult for Orica-GreenEDGE not to pick him again next year.
With twin brother Adam similarly enjoying a stunning start to his professional career, the future looks very bright for the Bury-born pair.
