'From inside, you see why he's the best' - Adam Yates hails Pogacar's work ethic

Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) is in the Middle East ahead of the Tour of Oman where the British rider could win a third consecutive edition of the stage race. 

He began his 2026 season last month at the Tour Down Under, where he finished 20th while helping Jay Vine to overall victory. Now the opportunity for GC success presents itself to Yates.

“I'm feeling good. I'm really enjoying the bike and the competition, and that's important,” Yates told Marca. “he team is also in good shape, so the feeling is positive.” 

Leadership opportunities are limited at UAE due to Tadej Pogačar’s ability to compete on almost all fronts, but in Oman, Yates has the opportunity to collect the tenth GC success of a career that began with GreenEdge in 2014.

Yates’ best Grand Tour result, third at the 2023 Tour de France, did come while riding in support of Pogačar who was runner-up behind Jonas Vingegaard. Yates explained what he has learned from racing with the world champion.

“Many things, but above all, his work ethic. When you're not on his team, you don't see how hard he really works,” said Yates. 

“From the inside, you see the effort he puts in every day and you understand why he's the best in the world. It's a pleasure to train and race with him, and I hope we can continue doing so and winning together for many years to come.”

With an opportunity for individual success in Oman, Yates was also asked about his mindset when it comes to switching between leadership roles and supporting Pogačar.

“It depends on the race. If you go to the Tour with Tadej, you know exactly what your role is, and everyone is clear about it,” said Yates. “In smaller races, we usually go with two or three riders in good form, and there we can share the pressure and responsibilities. That's also a positive.”

The Tour of Oman begins on February 7 and takes place across five stages, with a summit finish on the Green Mountain set to decide the general classification. Yates is currently tied with Chris Froome and Alexey Lutsenko on two victories, but could draw clear in the record books.

Yates will then head to the Giro d’Italia for the second year running before linking up with Pogačar at the Tour, where the Slovenian is hunting a record-equalling fifth victory.