ANALYSIS | Adam Yates and João Almeida: UAE Team Emirates' Dual Threat for the 2024 Vuelta a Espana

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.