“If neither of those two wins the Giro d'Italia it would be a surprise" - Joao Almeida happy to go under the radar as Thomas and Roglic grab the Giro d'Italia headlines

Joao Almeida sits in fourth position in the general classification at the start of stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia. Just 22 seconds down on Geraint Thomas and 20 seconds off Primoz Roglic though, he is still very much in contention for the Maglia Rosa.

“I am indeed in a good position in the standings, but there are still some tough days ahead on the bike. But it sure looks good to me. Roglič and Thomas also look very strong," says the Portuguese prior to the start of today's stage. “If neither of those two wins the Giro d'Italia, it would be a surprise. Only, it might be my best chance of winning the Giro. I just have to keep fighting and keep my feet on the ground.”

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The UAE Team Emirates leader has never before finished on the podium of a Grand Tour but is widely regarded as one of the most consistent riders in the peloton. With a gruelling third week ahead of them the general classification battle is sure to ignite at some point and when it does, the question remains whether Almeida will be able to take advantage of Jumbo-Visma and the INEOS Grenadiers concentrating on each other.

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