"Everyone says ‘he wins, he wins’, but the work we do as teammates..." - Jhonatan Narváez steps up for Tadej Pogacar after João Almeida’s Tour de France crash

Jhonatan Narváez is one of Tadej Pogacar’s most trusted teammates and loyal domestiques. The Ecuadorian is a remarkable rider — selfless, hard-working, and always willing to give everything for his leader. He proved that once again on Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France, playing a crucial role in Pogacar’s victory, particularly in the aftermath of João Almeida’s crash.

UAE Team Emirates - XRG were dealt a blow when Pogacar’s key mountain lieutenant hit the deck. But Narváez rose to the occasion. “We knew it was a stage that suited him well,” he said after finishing eighth on the day, just seven seconds behind the two stage leaders. “It was tough at the start — 60 kilometres of attacking. Everyone says ‘he wins, he wins’, but the work we do as teammates, and what he does himself, it’s just incredible.”

Narváez went on to heap praise on his team leader. “It’s special to be alongside him. I’ve shared teams with great leaders like Geraint Thomas and now Pogacar — he’s not just a great athlete, but a great person too.”

While Almeida’s is set to continue despite his crash, Narváez’s role in this Tour could be about to grow even further. He was already expected to play a key part, especially on stages like the Mur de Bretagne, where his world-class punchy climbing style comes to the fore. But now, his importance to Pogacar’s campaign could be even greater.

His efforts are also reflected in the general classification — Narváez currently sits 19th overall, 8 minutes and 11 seconds behind race leader and yellow jersey holder Tadej Pogacar.