João Almeida is in the form of his life. The Portuguese cyclist from UAE Team Emirates-XRG is enjoying a stellar 2025 season, already notching nine victories in just 39 race days smashing his previous personal best of six wins back in 2021. He enters the Tour de France in exceptional form and in a rather unique position.
Almeida pulled off a rare feat by winning three consecutive World Tour stage races: the Tour of the Basque Country, the Tour de Romandie, and the Tour de Suisse. This remarkable run places him in elite company alongside legends like Sean Kelly and Bradley Wiggins. He also claimed six stage victories across Paris-Nice, the Basque Country, and Switzerland.
But individual glory isn’t his main focus. With the Tour de France approaching, Almeida’s primary goal is to support team leader Tadej Pogačar in the mountains. “Right now, my role is to help Tadej win. I don’t have any personal goals for results at most, a podium would be a great bonus,” he explains. He remains realistic and team-oriented: “I’ll be there to assist in the high mountains, to protect him, to work for him. Of course, depending on how the race plays out, I might get a chance for a stage win but that’s always secondary.”
Flying under the radar may work in his favor. Without the pressure of chasing individual results, Almeida could quietly find himself in a strong position. He recognizes the chaotic nature of the Tour’s flat opening week, where tension in the peloton often leads to crashes. “It’s one of the most stressful parts of the Tour. The first time trial will be important, but ultimately, the mountains will decide everything,” he says. He adds that approaching the Tour without pressure makes his job clearer and less mentally draining.
His preparation is focused but relaxed. While confident in his form, Almeida admits he’s not yet at peak condition. “I’ve got good legs, but I’m not at my absolute best. Hopefully, there’s still room to improve,” he says. He stays grounded about what lies ahead: “Everyone has bad days it’s all about physical condition. When you have good legs, everything becomes easier. These races are tough and fast positioning doesn’t happen by chance.”
Responding to criticism about his timing in races, Almeida acknowledges that strategy matters. “Sometimes the race pace is just too high to respond immediately. I try to pace myself and reel others in over time. Often they fade, and I catch up,” he says, emphasizing tactical awareness and efficiency. He cites his loss to Santiago Buitrago in Valenciana as an example of how tactics can shift outcomes, even when form is good.
His relationship with Pogačar is described as positive and professional. “He’s a normal guy very friendly and always willing to help younger riders. We talk often, just as teammates do,” Almeida shares. As for rumors of both riders contesting the Vuelta a España, nothing is set in stone. “Tadej’s schedule after the Tour is still undecided. But either way, we’re in a strong position,” he notes. While the Vuelta is typically more open than the Tour, Almeida stresses that the team’s priority is to win regardless of who takes the top spot.
Contractually, Almeida is committed to UAE Team Emirates through 2026, and he’s content with where he is. “There are always conversations happening behind the scenes, but I’m under contract for another year and a half. Right now, my focus is entirely on the Tour,” he concludes, emphasizing the importance of stability in his continued development.
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