“I want to turn the page and be able to win this season”: Joao Almeida ends nightmare illness layoff with Tour de Pologne comeback
CyclingWednesday, 05 August 2026 at 09:00
After spending much of 2026 on the sidelines because of a persistent illness, João Almeida is finally set to return to racing at the Tour de Pologne. UAE Team Emirates - XRG believe the Portuguese star can still salvage his season, with the Vuelta a España, World Championships and autumn classics all still to come.
A long road back after months of frustration
Almeida was expected to lead UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the Giro d'Italia after an excellent start to the season, but everything changed when he was struck by a serious viral infection earlier this year. The illness left the Portuguese rider unable to perform despite continuing to train and prepare like normal, forcing him to miss much of the campaign.
UAE sports manager Joxean Matxín explained just how difficult the situation had been. “João had a virus, a particular infection. For the name, ask the doctor! It made him feel really unwell. Almeida trained like a professional, recovered like a professional, lived like a professional and worked hard... but the condition simply never arrived.”
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Matxín stressed that the situation was especially frustrating for the Portuguese rider. “That weighs even more on someone like him, because he's always been a rider who performs at an extremely high level. But his quality has never been in question.”
UAE initially hoped Almeida would be competitive again at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in June, but it quickly became clear he still lacked the condition to race at his usual level. Rather than pushing through, the team decided another period of recovery was the best solution.
Introducing the decision, Matxín revealed that the team even discussed the situation with Isaac Del Toro before withdrawing Almeida. “We spoke with João before the race, but when we saw he wasn't where we expected him to be, we decided to stop. It would have been effort without any benefit.”
“We also spoke with Isaac Del Toro to see whether João could still help him during the final two stages. Fortunately that wasn't necessary, so João abandoned and extended his recovery.”
Confidence remains unchanged
Although Almeida has barely raced this year, UAE have never lost faith in one of their key Grand Tour riders. Matxín made that point clear ahead of the Portuguese rider's return in Poland.
“Let's first see how João goes in Poland, but it's clear we believe in him regardless of the result. The team's confidence in him hasn't changed.”
The Spaniard also expressed complete confidence that Almeida will return to his best level. “I know who João is. I've known him for a long time. I know his relationship with the team, his teammates and with himself. He's an exemplary professional and, even if it isn't this year, I have absolutely no doubt he'll return to the highest level.”
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Speaking at the Tour de Pologne team presentation, Almeida confirmed he is finally feeling healthy again and eager to make up for lost time. “Finally I feel good. I want to turn the page and be able to win this season.”
The Vuelta a España is now his main objective, although he won't go there as the team leader, as Pogacar confirmed his participation on Monday. Still, finishing in the podium remains a realistic objective for Almeida.
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
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- After watching Pauline Ferrand-Prevot yesterday I really think that on a regular bike she would be much faster. She just cannot into TT bikes...averagecyclist05-08-2026
- To be honest, Pogi doesn't need to win the Vuelta or Paris Roubaix...(but he will)... he just needs to win one more TdF and he will be in a club of his own, the only one in the world. If Pogi wins Lombardia in the fall, he will be the only cyclist in history to win 4 monuments and one second place (Paris Roubaix) in the same year. No one came close to that, not even Merckx. Yep... Pogi is already the G.O.A.T. Capish y'all?... Andrew? frieders3? Rafionain-Glas? anonymouscyclist? Mistermoumou? CAPISH?PogiSloFans05-08-2026
- And the hour record.
Andrew05-08-2026 - No rules or just stupid rules?Andrew05-08-2026
- I hope he comes back stronger than ever - he is a great guy that doesn't complain, and has been through so much. If anyone can help him get back, it is Vismamij05-08-2026
- this race is greatmij05-08-2026
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