A RISING star in the world of cycling has become the best young rider at the Tour De France – equalling his twin brother’s feat in last year’s competition.

Simon Yates won the white jersey— awarded to the highest placed cyclist under the age of 26—in the famous bike race.

Simon, a former Derby High School pupil, follows in the tracks of his sibling, Adam, who achieved the same feat in 2016.

The brothers’ record is believed to be unprecedented in the race, and a major coup for Bury.

The twins’ mum, Susan, said the Yates family was ‘very, very happy’ about the brothers’ success.

She said: “We’re very pleased and proud as punch about the fact that both brothers have done it back-to-back. It’s a pretty unique achievement, I don’t think it will happen again, everybody is proud of them.”

The cycling twins have gone almost unnoticed outside of cycling circles, but Mrs Yates said they didn’t crave recognition.

“Both are very shy, they don’t like a fuss to be made over them. They like to stay low key, and go about normal life. They’re just cyclists, they just love cycling and doing a job they both love.”

But Peter Roscoe, secretary of Bury Clarion Cycling Club,said it was a shame more Bury people didn’t know about the sporting stars in their midst.

He said: “It’s tremendous. On the continent they appreciate it better than they do in England. I ask people in Bury ‘do you know about Simon Yates’ and they just don’t know, but on the continent it’s really big.”

“ I consider them Supermen just to get round the course and finish but to get in the top ten, I can’t comprehend the physical abilities they need to do that.”

He added that to his knowledge it was the first time two brothers had both achieved the feat. “I don’t know how to convey and put it in words what a tremendous what a tremendous feat it is to do that, it’s wonderful.”

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, who represents Redvales, where the twins’ parents still live, also praised Simon for emulating his brother’s success 12 months on.

“He’s role model for other young people as everyone was aware of his talent locally and now he has taken that to a national level.

“All credit to him for going from strength to strength – and congratulations from everybody in Bury. Good luck to him.”