It has been considered somewhat controversial when Yates brothers decided to sign with Orica-GreenEDGE for 2014 instead of choosing a British outfit. They explained back then that the Australian team had offered them the best possibilities to develop their talent, and apparently the time proved them right as Simon and Adam extended their contracts through 2016.
Even though contract extensions haven't been officially confirmed by their team yet, according to Cycling Weekly British twins again chose Orica-GreenEDGE over continously interested Team Sky.
As Australian outfit's manager Matt While explained, Yates brothers appreciate the way their current team grooms them into future GC contenders roles, as well as the laid-back attitude presented by teammates and staff.
“They re-signed,” sports director, Matt White told Cycling Weekly.
“We want to keep them for as long as they want to stay. They fit in well here, they’re improving month to month.”
“The culture of our team, they enjoy it. Our team’s not for everyone. The same way French or Italian teams are not for everyone. Every team has a different culture, their personalities fit into the culture we have,” White said. „I think that we are relaxed, we know when to switch on or switch off, we have a great relationship between the management and riders. The boys have a say in what we do, as well. We work with the riders, not above them, and some teams are like that.”
In terms of team's capability to support increasing GC ambitions of the young Britons, While expressed his will to slowly build a strong squad around them. At the same time he emphasized however, that there is no rush since 22-year old brothers are not yet ready to play dominant roles in biggest stage races.
“We are definitely going down the line of GC riders. We now have a team to support Adam, Simon or Esteban Chaves in WorldTour events. Do we have a team for a Grand Tour? Not yet, but they are not going to a Grand Tour to win in 2015, either,” he concluded.
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