Yates hits peak form

SIMON YATES produced a spectacular summit triumph to retake the lead in the Vuelta.

The 26-year-old (above) from Bury burst clear on the final steep slopes of the Alto les Praeres on stage 14 to win and now leads the general classification by 20 seconds.

Yates, who first took the lead after finishing ninth on stage nine, said: “I feel more like I deserve it this time. I’m very happy. I chose my moment and just gave everything.”

Fellow Brit Ian Stannard won the penultimate stage of the Tour of Britain with a brave solo ride. Julian Alaphilippe leads by 17 seconds.