Simon Yates Expresses Shock After Securing Giro d’Italia Victory

In the shadow of the Colosseum, Simon Yates was a standout in pink as he paraded through the streets, greeted by enthusiastic crowds at the start of the concluding stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia.

Following a significant meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Yates donned the Maglia Rosa, preparing to compete alongside 21-year-old Isaac del Toro, who was wearing the white jersey awarded to the leader of the youth classification.

This marked the first occasion since 2018 that the 32-year-old wore the iconic pink jersey, and as he traversed the ceremonial stage beginning and ending in the Eternal City, there was no question he would retain it.

As he glided past the historic amphitheatre with Del Toro, Mads Pedersen in the purple sprinter’s jersey, and Lorenzo Fortunato sporting the blue King of the Mountains shirt, Yates exchanged words with Chris Harper of Jayco-AlUla, who had triumphantly won the previous day’s stage. Harper expressed his delight, stating, “I don’t know what I’m happier about, winning the stage or seeing Yatesy win pink. He deserves it more than anyone!”

Yates’s connection with the Giro d’Italia extends beyond 2018, when he held the pink jersey from stages six to 19, only to falter on Colle delle Finestre as Chris Froome surged ahead. Despite clinching La Vuelta that same year, Yates’s collapse in Italy has haunted him, positioning the Giro as the title that eluded him.

In 2019, as he returned to the Giro, Yates proclaimed, “If I were my rivals, I would be scared. I’ve been focused on this race for almost a year.” Despite a strong start, he ultimately finished eighth, missing out on stage victories and losing crucial time in the second time trial.

“This Giro was disappointing for me—heartbreaking, really. There’s always another chance, though, and I’m committed to learning from this experience,” Yates reflected post-race.

Yates attempted a comeback in 2020, racing in October due to pandemic delays. The Italian fans remembered his previous efforts, revealing his growing status as a tragic hero within the sport. Unfortunately, he had to withdrawal before stage eight after testing positive for Covid 19, with the race ultimately claimed by Tao Geoghegan-Hart.

In 2021, again considered a strong contender, Yates briefly occupied second in the general classification and won stage 19, but finished third behind Egan Bernal.

Continuing his pursuit, Yates competed in the 2022 Giro, securing two stage wins but exiting on stage 17 after a fall, contributing to another challenging campaign.

In 2023 and 2024, Yates bypassed the Giro, focusing on the Tour de France where he finished fourth this year. Throughout this period, he accumulated an impressive record as one of Britain’s best road cyclists, winning stages across all three grand tours while still lacking a Giro title.

Yates’s team change to Visma played a critical role in his success. With a larger infrastructure and a winning mentality, Yates seemingly thrived in this new environment. Reflecting on his victory, he noted the significance of reclaiming the Pink Jersey on the mountain where he had previously lost it, stating, “Seven years later, I’ve accomplished it. I never stopped believing in the Giro. It’s been a long journey.”

Yates expressed the emotional weight of this victory, sharing, “I’ve dedicated much of my life to this race. It has been tough to deal with the setbacks, so I’m truly in disbelief that I’ve pulled it off.” 

His competitors acknowledge his intelligence in strategy during the race. Del Toro, who led from stage nine to 20, praised Yates and his team, saying, “They played it well.” 

Despite being a young contender, Del Toro’s performance raises questions about his team’s tactics on the final mountain stage. Mistakes were observed, such as not adequately marking key competitors. However, it’s clear Del Toro has a promising future ahead.

After Olav Kooij won the final sprint stage in Rome, adding to the Visma team’s success, Yates stood proudly by the Circo Massimo, holding the Senza Fine (forever) trophy. He was officially crowned champion of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, with his name forever etched in the history of the race.