Tuesday 19 July 2016 17:17, UK
Adam Yates insists he will not be afraid to attack Chris Froome if the opportunity arises in the final week of the Tour de France.
The 23-year-old Briton sits third overall after 16 stages, 2min 45sec behind race leader Froome and 58 seconds behind second-placed Bauke Mollema.
The final week contains four back-to-back stages in the Alps from Wednesday to Saturday and although Yates is daunted, he is adamant he will not ride defensively.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday's rest day, Yates said: "I wouldn't say I'm excited. I would say I'm more nervous about what's to come. Everyone knows the last week is the toughest.
"[Froome] looks strong. I can't see him having a bad day, but why not [attack him]? If he does have a moment's weakness, why not try something?"
Yates is riding the Tour for only the second time and had not expected to challenge so high up the general classification so deep into the race.
Despite his outstanding displays, many have pointed to fourth-placed Nairo Quintana as the rider most likely to provide the biggest threat to Froome's lead and Yates is happy to be overlooked.
He added: "It's my first time riding GC [general classification] and riding with the GC boys. I'm the underdog.
"Guys like [Alejandro] Valverde and Quintana, they have won big races in the past and these guys will be the ones that are attacking.
"There are also guys like Tejay van Garderen and Richie Porte; they have ridden the GC before, ridden the Tour before and had top 10s. I'm just tagging along and trying my best.
"I came to the Tour de France without any ambitions for GC. I'm at the second rest day and I'm in third place in the GC. Anything from here is a bonus."
The Tour resumes on Wednesday with a 184.5km 17th stage ending with a summit finish at Finhaut-Emosson. Find out more about the route in our race guide and follow the stage with our live blog from 12pm BST.
