Adam Yates Holds Tour de Suisse Lead Despite Stage Six Setback

Adam Yates maintained his lead in the Tour de Suisse despite finishing second behind Portugal’s Joao Almeida in a shortened stage six. Originally planned for 151.1km from Locarno, the stage was reduced to 42.5km due to impassable snowpack at Nufenen Pass and the inability to use an alternate route over the Furka Pass. Yates, riding for UAE Team Emirates, saw his 35-second advantage trimmed to 27 seconds by teammate Almeida.

Other British riders Tom Pidcock and Oscar Onley held seventh and eighth positions respectively in the general classification standings. The stage concluded with a challenging 7km climb where Yates attacked with 3km remaining, only to be caught by Almeida in the final kilometre. Almeida secured the stage win with Mattias Skjelmose finishing third.

“We were both very strong,” said Almeida. “He [Yates] attacked quite early, and I managed to catch him without bringing back the other riders.”

Saturday’s penultimate stage features a demanding 118.1km circuit with three major climbs. Both Yates and Almeida will soon shift their focus to supporting UAE teammate Tadej Pogacar at the upcoming Tour de France, starting on June 29.

Stage Six Result:

1. Joao Almeida (Por/UAE Team Emirates) – 55 mins 13 secs
2. Adam Yates (GB/UAE Team Emirates) – +4 secs
3. Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) – +9 secs
4. Egan Bernal (Col/Ineos Grenadiers) – +15 secs
5. Lenny Martinez (Fra/Groupama–FDJ) – +35 secs

General Classification:

1. Adam Yates (GB/UAE Team Emirates) – 16hrs 39mins 46secs
2. Joao Almeida (Por/UAE Team Emirates) – +27 secs
3. Egan Bernal (Col/Ineos Grenadiers) – +1min 28secs
4. Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) – +2min 24secs
5. Enric Mas (Spa/Movistar) – +2min 38secs