Yates twins in form for Aus cycling team

Strong early-season form from the Yates twins has the Australian Mitchelton-Scott cycling team on target for their lofty Grand Tour ambitions.

The British brothers posted big results at separate stage races in France and Italy.

Simon Yates won stage five at Paris-Nice, the first time in his career he has taken out an individual time trial.

Adam finished fifth in stage two at Tirreno-Adriatico to replace Australian teammate Michael Hepburn as the overall leader.

Simon's main immediate goal is the May Giro d'Italia, where he led for 13 days last year before his dramatic slump in the second-last stage.

As Yates faltered, compatriot Chris Froome took control of the Giro with a daring solo charge and he won the three-week Grand Tour.

Simon went on to win the Vuelta a Espana in September - the first Grand Tour win for Mitchelton-Scott.
The Australian team's ultimate goal is the Tour de France title.
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Adam Yates finished fourth in the 2016 Tour and won the best young rider classification.
But he could only manage 29th last year.