“I’m here to help Pogacar win” - Joao Almeida makes no secret of his Vuelta a España goals as doubts remain about his GC fitness

Cycling
Monday, 24 August 2026 at 14:15
João Almeida during stage 5 of the 2026 Volta a Catalunya
Joao Almeida approaches the 2026 Vuelta a España with a different goal than his brilliant ride last year might suggest. The Portuguese, runner-up overall in 2025, arrives in Spain looking to regain rhythm after a season marred by physical issues and, above all, to put himself at the service of Tadej Pogacar.
The UAE Team Emirates XRG rider has been unable to reproduce in the first half of the year the level he showed last season. A series of illnesses disrupted his build-up and kept him from racing with the consistency and performance he expected. On top of that came a crash during his stint in Poland and yet another bout of illness that again forced a change of plans.
Even so, Almeida faces La Vuelta with optimism and without setting a specific target in the general classification. His priority is to see how his body responds as the race unfolds and, at the same time, to contribute to the collective goal of a team led by Pogacar as its clear reference.

“It’s a pleasure to work with Pogacar”

“I’m here to help Pogacar win,” the Portuguese told MARCA before the race. A statement that makes clear what his role will be within UAE’s structure.
Almeida knows perfectly well what it means to work for the Slovenian at a Grand Tour and, in fact, played a key part at the 2024 Tour de France, where he finished fourth overall and was one of the important pieces in the team that escorted the contemporary legend to victory.
Sharing another Grand Tour with the Slovenian is also a special motivation for Almeida. “I’ve done it several times and it’s a pleasure to work with him. He gives you a great feeling and, in the end, you become part of a story. I love it and it really excites me,” the Portuguese admitted.
Tadej Pogacar
Tadej Pogacar

Optimistic start but doubts remain over fitness

Stage 1 of La Vuelta also brought reasons for optimism. Almeida completed the opening time trial just 18 seconds behind Pogacar, the stage winner, and finished ahead of several riders tipped to fight for the top spots in the general classification. After the difficult months he has endured, that result could be a positive sign.
However, Almeida prefers to keep his feet on the ground. “It depends on my physical condition. I hope to feel good, but we go day by day, seeing how I’m doing. The important thing is to give everything,” he explained.
La Vuelta has only just begun, and the Portuguese still has three weeks ahead to discover how far he can go. His former status as a podium contender remains, for now, in the background.
Almeida has taken on a different challenge: to rediscover his best version while helping Pogacar hunt another Grand Tour victory.
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