BURY cyclist Simon Yates finished sixth overall in his first attempt at the Vuelta a Espana.

But while many pundits are talking up the 24-year-old former Derby High School pupil as a future champion, Orica-BikeExchange team-mate Esteban Chaves believes he is one already.

Chaves reaped the rewards of some selfless work from Yates in the final week of the Vuelta, leapfrogging three-time former champion Alberto Contador in the penultimate stage to claim a third-place finish.

At one point it looked as if it could have been Yates who would challenge for a place on the podium.

But after winning his first ever grand tour stage in the opening week and climbing up to fourth with a great solo ride on the 14th stage, the Bury Clarion life member threw his support behind his team leader for the final push.

And Chaves was the first to pay tribute to his marathon effort.

“He’s not a future champion, he’s a real champion now,” he said.

“He’s a real champion and he deserves this.

“He’s really consistent, he’s disciplined, he sacrifices himself.

“He’s a good boy.”

Yates was fifth going into Friday’s time trial but fell behind Andrew Talansky in the overall standings.

He eventually finished 8mins 35secs behind red jersey winner Nairo Quintana following Sunday’s final stage in Madrid.

Yates’ top-10 finish followed his twin brother Adam’s fourth place in this year’s Tour de France.