"I tried to help as much as I could but it was a sufferfest" - João Almeida supports Tadej Pogacar and retains 4th overall at 2024 Tour de France in stage 15

With the 15th stage of the 2024 Tour de France over, UAE Team Emirates came through the two Pyrenean stages with flying colours, dominating the weekend, winning stages and reinforcing Tadej Pogacar's lead in the general classification.

One of the Slovenian rider's loyal lieutenants is João Almeida, who, alongside Adam Yates, has been doing a superb job for the race leader. At the end of a brutal stage 15, the Portuguese was visibly tired, but he gave Eurosport an analysis of the stage: "It was a very, very hard stage," he admitted. "Unfortunately I didn't feel very well, but I tried to help as much as I could. In the end it was a sufferfest. Tomorrow is a rest day"

Although his teammate Tadej Pogacar has a 3:09 lead in the GC over Jonas Vingeggard going into the final week of racing, Almeida doesn't take the overall victory in the general classification for granted: "This only ends in Nice, on the last day. Anything can happen, but Tadej is incredible. He's showing that he's the best," he added.

Regarding the fact that the race had a high pace, since Team Visma | Lease a Bike had plans for today, Almeida takes his hat off to them for their work and for daring to toughen up the race: "They had to try. 'Chapeau' to them, they gave everything they had," he says warmly.

This Monday sees the second rest day of the race before the 6 decisive stages in the final week. "We're very confident, just like on the first day. We've been consistent, great work from everyone, congratulations are in order. It's fantastic to be part of this," concludes the Portuguese, who maintains his own high placing, sitting 4th overall, now 10:54 behind the yellow jersey. The podium is a long way off, as Remco Evenepoel occupies 3rd place with a lead of almost 6 minutes over the Portuguese rider, who has seen his advantage over the 5th-placed rider increase, as Carlos Rodriguez of INEOS Grenadiers broke his engine on the last climb of the day and lost a position in the GC, giving his place to his compatriot Mikel Landa of Soudal- Quick Step, who is 27 seconds behind Almeida;