Yates will make his return to the Tour de France in 2018 for the team soon to be rebadged as Mitchelton Scott, joining debutant sprinter Caleb Ewan in a two-pronged assault of the 7-29 July Grand Tour.
The 2018 season goals are also set for Esteban Chaves and Simon Yates with both riding as co-leaders at the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España.
Over the past two seasons, the team has made a concerted push for high general classification placings with its trio of young stars. Chaves placed second overall at the Giro d'Italia and third in the Vuelta in 2016 while the Yates brothers held the Tour white jersey in 2016 (Adam) and 2017 (Simon).
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“We’ve made it no secret that the next progression for us is to win a Grand Tour, while at the same time challenge our riders,” sports director Matt White said.
“With this in mind we have some exciting goals to chase across the board in all three Grand Tours at that means stages wins and general classification targets.”
Adam Yates had a strong 2017 which included the Giro and Vuelta while missing the Tour. He finished ninth at the Giro but faded to 34th at the Vuelta in what was a difficult race for Orica-Scott.
"It feels good to be going back to the Tour de France and I am very excited about the challenges it will bring," he said. "The Tour will always be a special race for me having watched it growing up through to getting the opportunity to race it for the first time in 2015.
“I am still developing as a rider and, as always, do not feel pressure after my result in 2016, I will do my best and we will see how it goes. It was good to try a different race programme last year but there is no denying that I am looking forward to lining up in Vendee next July.”
Chaves had a difficult 2017 season with few significant results apart from a second overall at the Santos Tour Down Under and ninth at the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
Esteban Chaves at the 2017 Vuelta. Source: Getty
“I love racing in Italy. Italy gave me the hardest moments in my career but also the most beautiful ones, so I am happy to go back to Italy to race," Chaves said.
“There are just 44 kilometres of time trialling and this was one of the reasons for the team’s choice and my choice to do the Giro d’Italia.
“This year we learnt a lot. I and all of the team are really hungry now for next season.”
