"It’s not so often we get to race in Portugal" - João Almeida keen to impress upon return home as UAE leader for Figueira Champions Classic & Volta ao Algarve

As cycling has become a more international sport over the years, Slovenia has seen the rise of the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic, the UK has had Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas among others and the Danes Jonas Vingegaard. For the Portuguese, many hopes for a Grand Tour win rest on the shoulders of UAE Team Emirates - XRG's João Almeida and in the coming week, the 26-year-old is returning to his homeland. 

At both the Figueira Champions Classic on February 16th and the Volta ao Algarve, February 19-23, Almeida leads the UAE Team Emirates - XRG lineup and is keen to impress on a rare opportunity to ride on home roads. "Figueira and Algarve are two special races for me," says Almeida in a press release on the team's official website. "It’s not so often we get to race in Portugal, and it’s always a privilege to count on home support."

The start of the season has already seen a display of strong legs from the Portuguese too, finishing 2nd overall at the recent Volta a Comunitat Valenciana. “Valenciana was confirmation that the form is good and I took a lot of confidence from that," he assesses. "The team is really strong, I feel like Algarve can suit me better and we also have young guys like Antonio Morgado and Jan Christen who are on form, so we are heading in from a strong position. I can’t wait to get it started.”

With UAE having a strong Portuguese block nowadays, Almeida won't be the only home rider in the team. The aforementioned Morgado, is also joined by both Ivo Oliveira and Rui Oliveira, with the Algarve lineup being completed by Felix Grossschartner, Nils Politt and Christen. For the Figueria Champions Classic, Ugo Fabries, Enea Sambinello and Julius Johansen replace the Oliveiras and Politt. 

Joao Almeida
Antonio Morgado
Felix Grossschartner
Jan Christen
Ugo Fabries
Enea Sambinello
Julius Johansen

Joao Almeida
Antonio Morgado
Felix Grossschartner
Jan Christen
Nils Politt
Ivo Oliveira
Rui Oliveira