Almeida Sets Sights on Grand Tour victory, fueled by Vingegaard Rivalry and Relentless Dedication
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A measured approach, grounded in experience and unwavering self-belief, defines João Almeida’s pursuit of a Grand Tour title. The Portuguese cyclist, having consistently proven his mettle on the podium of major races, believes the final step to overall victory is within reach, citing a compelling rivalry with Jonas Vingegaard and a dedication honed through years of relentless training.
Almeida’s journey to the top has been one of steady progression. He’s consistently managed to contend with the very best, fueling his confidence for a serious challenge in 2026. “Every year I have improved, and I have the feeling that it can happen again in 2026,” Almeida saeid, emphasizing his “realistic” assessment of his chances. This pragmatism is central to his approach, eschewing talk of fate in favor of a focus on tangible advancement.
“I know my body very well. I know how to listen to it. I have a clear perception of how far I can go,” he explained, highlighting self-awareness as his greatest strength. For Almeida, second place isn’t a limitation, but a blueprint for future success.
Learning from Pogacar’s Immersion
Within the UAE Team Emirates squad, Almeida benefits from daily interaction with one of the sport’s brightest stars, Tadej pogacar. Pogacar is not merely a teammate, but a benchmark in training, recovery, and mental fortitude. “Frist of all,simply as of… genetics,he is the best of all,” Almeida conceded,adding that pogacar’s success is also rooted in “very hard work.”
The key difference,in Almeida’s view,lies in the level of dedication. “I do not think I have an obsession with cycling, in the sense that it is not 100 per cent of my life,” he said. “Tadej has that, for him it is. He remains a normal guy,but it is indeed as if he breathes cycling,which is his only true passion.”
Inspired by Ronaldo’s relentless Pursuit
This mindset isn’t solely cultivated within the cycling world. Almeida draws notable inspiration from another Portuguese icon: Cristiano Ronaldo. “As he came from nothing, he worked incredibly hard to make it,” Almeida said of the football superstar. “And he also represents great values. And he can be considered the greatest footballer of all time.”
Ronaldo embodies the power of long-term belief and unwavering work ethic, qualities Almeida strives to emulate. “He will always be number one for me,” he affirmed, expressing a desire to one day meet his idol.
A Foundation Built on Quite Obsession
Almeida’s connection to cycling has been lifelong, though he refrains from labeling it an “obsession.” “I have always been sporty, sence I was little,” he recalled, noting his early explorations of football and swimming before ultimately gravitating towards the bike. “ever since I can remember… I was riding my bike. Every day.”
This dedication manifested in grueling training sessions as a teenager, often conducted in challenging conditions. “It happened, and quite often,” he said, describing late-night rides. “I finished at 7.30pm, ate something quickly, and then went riding until 9.30-10pm.” He even recounted instances of riding without functioning lights, a testament to his unwavering commitment.
This persistence remains evident in his outlook. After finishing just 1 minute 16 seconds behind Jonas Vingegaard at La Vuelta 2025, Almeida’s ambition isn’t framed as a desperate hope, but as a clear, achievable goal. He no longer speaks of chasing a miracle, but of closing a gap he has meticulously assessed and believes is definitively within his reach.
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