"I was already on my limit" - João Almeida finishes perfect week at Itzulia Basque Country with explosive stage win

João Almeida showed perhaps the strongest level of his career this week at Itzulia Basque Country. Not only being the strongest climber in the race, but also dealing with the pressure, the bad weather, the explosive climbs and much more. He has won the overall classification alongside his second stage win this Saturday in Eibar.

"The team did a perfect job today, like every day. We were super strong, we did what we planned to do. The rain came, it started to become dangerous and I didn't take too many risks. i was glad I was in a safe position, super happy with how it went today," the Portuguese rider said in a post-race interview.  

UAE Team Emirates - XRG really began pushing the pace hard in the climb to Itzua, but the yellow jersey actually did not know that his main rival Florian Lipowitz needed a bike change mid-climb. "The first question I was not aware of. All day really hard pace, super hard stage, the 'stage of the stages'".

He attacked the climb to avoid being surprised by rivals later on, but the truth is UAE was in full control, even with the heavy rain making the descents dangerous. Marc Soler and Isaac Del Toro were always in or near the front, and Almeida himself - when not attacking - always had the legs to respond to Enric Mas. The Spaniard put on a strong ride, but couldn't drop the leader.

"He was actually super strong, the last kick, 5k to go I tried to drop him but he was so strong," he responded. Almeida was asked about Enric Mas having proposed gifting the stage, to which Almeida responded: "I followed his wheel, I gave a pull with him once or twice, I was already on my limit also. I think my team deserved another victory, also myself... I sprinted for the victory and I think we deserve it".

This is effectively Almeida's biggest win in a career that continues to develop, and although it won't mean a co-leadership at the Tour de France alongside Tadej Pogacar, his performances throughout the whole week have certainly not only provided him a boost in confidence, but also status within the team

"It means a lot, so many sacrifices for me, for my family, my girlfriend. It's hard to be a professional rider nowadays with this high level," he admits. "I think the biggest victory in my career so hopefully the first of more".