Yates on the brink

SIMON YATES is set to complete a British grand slam of Grand Tours after extending his lead on the penultimate stage of La Vuelta in Andorra.

Yates will join Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas in conquering the sport’s biggest races in 2018 after he completes today’s processional final stage into Madrid.

The Bury star made his decisive move with 17km remaining in the stage, breaking the resolve of his nearest challenger Alejandro Valverde and all but confirming his title.

Yates eventually settled for third place in the stage, 23 seconds behind young Spaniard Enric Mas (Quick-Step Floors) who pipped Astana’s Miguel Angel Lopez in a sprint finish. PAUL BARNES