"Beat those machines" - Joáo Almeida looks to find new gear and take big step in 2024 as he aims for Tour de France

UAE Team Emirates is going into the Tour de France firing all cylinders, having four leaders in the plan including João Almeida. With so much external and internal competition, the Portuguese is looking to evolve this coming year.

"I want to be a little more punchy again, and get better, stronger, to beat those machines. Nowadays everyone is really strong," Almeida said in a video shared by Road Code. After four attempts at the Giro d'Italia he finally finished on the final podium, and is now ready to race a very different season where he will have different goals and face different competition.

Almeida begins his season close to home at the Figueira Champions Classic. His spring features Paris-Nice and the Volta a Catalunya where it is most likely that he will perform, and he will then make an unusual appearance in the Ardennes classics. Known as a big engine and master of pacing, he now looks to change things up and evolve when it comes to his explosivity.

The 25-year old is looking to prove himself this summer, most likely leading UAE Team Emirates at the Tour de Suisse, and then racing the Tour-Vuelta double. In both he will be joined by Adam Yates, whilst having Tadej Pogacar and Juan Ayuso at the Grand Boucle.