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ANALYSIS | Adam Yates and João Almeida: UAE Team Emirates' Dual Threat for the 2024 Vuelta a Espana
CyclingThursday, 15 August 2024 at 08:56
As the 2024 Vuelta a España approaches, all eyes are on the former
teammates Primoz Roglic and Sepp Kuss. This time last year, Roglic, and Vingegaard
attacked their teammate and race leader Sepp Kuss, on the Angliru. Whilst Kuss
managed to hold on for the overall race victory, the 2023 Vuelta was final
catalyst for Roglic’s departure from the team.
But this year, there’s another pair of teammates that may
find themselves in contention for overall victory. Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team
Emirates have experienced an historic and dominant season in 2024, and two
riders have held a vital role in that: Adam Yates and João Almeida.
Both riders have demonstrated exceptional form throughout
the season and will be on the start line in Portugal. Whilst neither are the
main favourites for the red jersey, if one of the UAE riders finds themselves
in the red jersey, they may not relinquish it. But with both riders aiming for personal glory, the question
arises: How will their dynamic evolve if they find themselves in a position to
compete directly against each other?
Adam Yates
Adam Yates has had a stellar 2024 season, building on his
impressive third-place finish in the 2023 Tour de France, where he served as a
key lieutenant to Tadej Pogačar. This result marked his best-ever Grand Tour
finish and cemented his reputation as a reliable and formidable Grand Tour
rider. His victory at the 2024 Tour de Suisse further underscored his
credentials, showcasing his ability to perform consistently over tough terrain
and against strong competition. Yates even produced a strong time trial in on
the final stage in Switzerland, to hold on to the leaders jersey.
Adam Yates at the 2024 Tour de Suisse. @Sirotti
Yates' sixth-place finish in this year’s Tour de France,
once again in support of Pogačar, demonstrated his strength and resilience.
However, the 2024 Vuelta presents a different opportunity for the British
rider—his first chance since joining UAE Team Emirates to lead the team in a
Grand Tour. Unlike his brother Simon, who claimed victory at the Vuelta in
2018, Adam has often played a support role in Grand Tours. But with Pogačar not
in the picture, Yates has a clear path to challenge for the red jersey.
One advantage Yates brings into the Vuelta is his freshness.
Opting out of the Olympics, he has had time to recover fully since the Tour de
France, ensuring he will start the Vuelta in peak condition. This, coupled with
his proven Grand Tour pedigree, makes him a serious threat to the likes of Sepp
Kuss and Primož Roglič, the race's other top contenders.
Read also
João Almeida
João Almeida has had an equally remarkable year, showcasing
his potential as one of the sport's brightest talents. His fourth-place finish
in the Tour de France was a testament to his climbing abilities and endurance,
particularly as he rode in service of Pogačar. Almeida's performance included
playing a crucial role in setting up Pogačar’s stage win on the Galibier,
highlighting his value as both a team player and a potential leader.
Almeida’s form since the start of last season has been incredibly
impressive. At the start of the 2023 season, the Portuguese rider secured a
podium finish at the Giro d’Italia. This result made Almeida the first from his nation to score a Grand Tour podium
finish since Joaquim Agostinho finished third in the 1979 Tour de France. His
victory on stage 16 of the Giro and his triumph in the young rider
classification further bolstered his reputation as a Grand Tour contender.
João Almeida at the 2024 Tour de France. @Sirotti
This year, Almeida finished second to Yates at the Tour de
Suisse, winning two stages along the way. Almeida and Yates were not truly
competing against each other in Switzerland, and used the stage race as their
final preparation for the Tour de France.
Almedia will be hoping for a stronger Vuelta than last year,
which was less impressive. Almedia concluded the final Grand Tour of 2023 with
a ninth-place finish, overshadowed by teammate Juan Ayuso. His struggles were
epitomized by what he described as "the worst day on his bike" on
stage 13. Despite this setback, Almeida is determined to avoid a repeat of last
year's disappointment and prove that he can be a genuine contender for the
overall title.
The Dynamic Within UAE Team Emirates
While Yates and Almeida have worked harmoniously so far this
season, the Vuelta presents a unique challenge. Both riders have aspirations of
leading the team and competing for the overall classification. Their
performances this year suggest they are more than capable of doing so. Yates’
experience and Almeida’s youthful exuberance make for an intriguing
combination, but it also sets the stage for potential conflict should they both
find themselves in a position to challenge for the red jersey.
UAE Team Emirates will need to manage this dynamic carefully,
which may be another reason why Spanish rider Juan Ayuso was omitted from the
Vuelta team selection. The team’s strategy could hinge on the early stages of
the race, with the riders' positions in the general classification determining
who will take on the role of team leader. Alternatively, the team could employ
a dual-leadership strategy, allowing both Yates and Almeida to pursue their own
ambitions until a clear favourite emerges.
Conclusion: Can They Dethrone the Favourites?
While Sepp Kuss and Primož Roglič remain the top favorites
for the 2024 Vuelta a España, Yates and Almeida have arguably displayed more
consistent and impressive form throughout the season. If they can maintain
their current level of performance and effectively navigate the challenges of
riding together, they have a genuine shot at upsetting the odds and claiming
the red jersey.
The 2024 Vuelta a España promises to be a thrilling contest,
with UAE Team Emirates' dual threat of Adam Yates and João Almeida adding an
extra layer of intrigue. Whether they can work together or if the race will
force them to go head-to-head remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—both
riders are serious contenders, and the cycling world will be watching closely.
Read also
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