Simon Yates 'not trying to win the stage' as he climbs up Paris-Nice GC
Orica-Scott rider said he attacked to take time in the overall standings

Simon Yates wins stage six of 2017 Paris-Nice.
Simon Yates's stage win at Paris-Nice was his first of the 2017 season, but this was not the primary objective when the Orica-Scott rider attacked on the penultimate climb of the day.
Despite coming into the day in 16th place overall, more than two minutes behind race leader Julian Alaphilippe, Yates said that his first thoughts were to attack to climb up GC and put himself in a better position going into a difficult final weekend, rather than chasing a stage win.
"I was not trying to win the stage," Yates said after his win. "I was trying to take as much time back as possible as I had good legs today."
>>> Simon Yates attacks rivals to win Paris-Nice stage six
The 24-year-old was able to take a lead of 45 seconds onto the final climb in Fayence, as a elite group led by Team Sky didn't chase the Briton down.
"I might be a bit more closely marked now. One of the reasons I got away today was because I’m so far behind.
"There are a lot of guys closer and nobody was really watching me, but maybe they will be tomorrow and the day after."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Yates sees opportunities to move further up the GC on tomorrow's summit finish on the Col de Couillole, as well as on the final day around Nice, which features six classified climbs.
>>> Paris-Nice 2017: Latest news, interviews, photos, and videos
However, despite moving into eighth place overall, he is still 1-37 behind race leader Julian Alaphilippe, and thinks the Frenchman will be the one to take final victory, despite having three riders (Tony Gallopin, Sergio Henao, and Gorka Izaguirre) within a minute of the lead.
"I think Alaphilippe will hold on. He’s a phenomenal rider – I raced him when I was younger, and even then I could see he was a hell of a talent. It will be difficult to dislodge him, but we can only try.
"He has a strong team there, but hopefully he’s tired after being in the lead. It’s a difficult climb tomorrow from what I’ve seen. We can only try."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Lidl-Trek, EF Education-EasyPost among first teams to seize ‘the only chance to race in the United States’
With a world-class field of competitors, organisers hope to showcase professional cycling to American spectators and reignite fan interest
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
'This sucks': Brixton Cycles closes its doors after 42 years
Iconic London shop announces closure after premises listed on property site
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Can anyone stop Primož Roglič or Juan Ayuso from winning the Giro d’Italia?
Roglič and Ayuso's form suggest they are the two outright favourites for overall victory in Rome next month
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard out of Volta a Catalunya after Paris-Nice crash
Visma-Lease a Bike say two-time Tour de France winner needs more time to recover from wrist injury sustained in France last week
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Matteo Jorgenson aiming to 'set the bar higher' and target a Grand Tour after securing second Paris-Nice title
American explained that targeting a win in one of the sport's biggest three-week races was now the logical next step in his career
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Matteo Jorgenson rules out Tour de France leadership after Jonas Vingegaard's withdrawal from Paris-Nice
The American is on the cusp of a second consecutive victory at the Race to the Sun
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Mattias Skjelmose: 'Cycling is a relentless sport. One day you feel great, the next everything can change in a split second'
Lidl-Trek rider was forced to abandon Paris-Nice after a heavy crash on stage seven
By Tom Thewlis Last updated
-
'A tough day' - Mads Pedersen outsprints Josh Tarling to win Paris-Nice stage 6 after echelons chaos
Wind forces GC shake-up as Matteo Jorgenson holds race lead
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard abandons Paris-Nice after stage 5 crash
Former Tour de France winner to recover from injuries at home
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'Given the circumstances, it's very impressive that he finished this stage' - Jonas Vingegaard crashes at Paris-Nice, loses 26 seconds on stage 5
Visma-Lease a Bike rider left with cut on lip and and ceded race lead on Thursday, understood to have hurt wrist
By Adam Becket Published