Holding off several attacks from team Movistar riders on the final day of the race in Barcelona, INEOS secured the win for Yates and the first Catalunya podium lockout since 1960, as Thomas de Gendt (Lotto Soudal) took out the stage victory.
Yates was thrilled with the efforts of the team and his overall race victory, after coming close to the crown two years earlier.
""It's been a good week. We started off with big ambitions and we ended up 1-2-3 on GC," Yates said.
"There's not much more we can say really. It was the perfect team performance. Even today was a really tough day, especially with this climb. It's a lot steeper and harder than I remember, but the team had it under control. It's a really special day."
"We wanted to win the race but in the end we had three guys in really good positions. We worked perfectly together and we controlled the race from start to finish.
"Two years ago I was close, I just missed out on that win. Now to come back and take the top step is great, and it makes it more special to see my two team-mates on the other steps."
Third-placed Thomas talked to the experience of the Grenadiers roster in negating the attacks of Movistar throughout the day and executing the team strategy throughout the race.
"It feels good to be back on the podium at a World Tour race," Thomas said.
"To be honest it was never really a goal at the start of the year to be going so well so early. But I've been working hard and each race I've felt better and better.
"The team here has just been incredible, as you've seen on the road. Morale is good and I'm enjoying racing with the boys. It's unbelievable really to have a 1-2-3. It's an amazing feeling.
"Everyone was communicating really well and we've got a lot of experience of defending the jersey. Today was the hardest day for sure - Movistar really attacked the race once we got on to the circuit. I was definitely in the hurt box for quite a few laps but I think everyone was.
"We stuck together well, had strength in numbers and were able to take morale off each other really and keep it under control."
