João Almeida extends contract with UAE Team Emirates - XRG until 2028 - "I’ve felt at home here"
Cycling
UAE Team Emirates - XRG has the biggest budget in pro cycling currently and they are putting that money to good use. The Emirati team has announced the renewal of a big name this Tuesday morning, as João Almeida has extended his contract for another two seasons with the team in which he's achieved the most.
“I’m really happy to be continuing my journey with UAE Team Emirates–XRG. From the very beginning, I’ve felt at home here – the environment, the professionalism, and the trust the team has given me have all helped me become a better rider," Almeida said in a press release.
The Portuguese joined the team in 2022 after two years with Soudal - Quick-Step, and immediately began performing, as he won the Vuelta a Burgos, finished fourth at the Vuelta a España and only didn't have the same result at the Giro d'Italia because he was infected with Covid-19 in the final week. Almeida has in the meantime achieved a lot of success, with 2025 being his most successful year.
He has won the Itzulia Basque Country, Tour de Romandie and Tour de Suisse, but despite this committed to a support role at the Tour de France for Tadej Pogacar, as he did successfully in 2024. This perfect role balance is what the team is looking for, and it's a win-win situation for both. “Over the past few seasons, we’ve achieved some big results together, but I still feel there’s a lot more to come".
Taking into consideration Almeida finished second at the Vuelta a España only behind Jonas Vingegaard this year, winning a Grand Tour is a very viable possibility for the future.
Looking for stability
“Extending my contract gives me the confidence and stability to keep building toward those goals," he admits. "I have great teammates and staff around me, and I’m really motivated for what lies ahead. Together, I’m sure we can keep fighting for victories in the biggest races in the world.”
Whether Almeida will get the chance to lead a Grand Tour in 2026 is a big question, but most likely this would happen again at La Vuelta, as Tadej Pogacar is once again aiming for the Tour de France and Isaac del Toro is very likely to be given the green light to aim for the Giro d'Italia, where he came close to winning this year.
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A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
Beyond editorial work, he has been closely involved in the expansion and coordination of CyclingUpToDate’s wider network, helping establish and support sister platforms across multiple languages. This includes ongoing collaboration with CiclismoAlDia (Spanish), CiclismoAtual (Portuguese), WielrennenUpToDate (Dutch), and RadsportAktuell (German), contributing to a shared editorial vision and consistent international coverage.
He also helps oversee editorial governance across the network, setting standards for accuracy and consistency and coordinating updates or corrections when needed.
Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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- You despise him because he calls out the truth....OK clown !frieders303-11-2026
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leedorney02-11-2026 - Watch the interview on youtube. I don't speak French. I do speak English and Spanish and you can hear it in his voice. Years ago LeMond had real personal problems I imagine in no small part because of Armstrong. then Armstrong goes round "full blast" re: LeMond having drinking and drug problems. The same way Andreu was expelled from mainstream cycling so was LeMond. On the positive side the clips of the ride and chatting with old teammates and was good. To seemed like a fun day and experience and good reason brush up his French.atom02-11-2026
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- It would likely be a very steep section of 4.1 km, not changing the average gradient considerably, with the climb remaining 10.1 km at 11.8%. It would reach 20% on the gravel. It would start 1.6 km in, and finish with 4.2 km left to climb (before the short final descent)
Rafionain-Glas02-11-2026
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We are delighted to announce the contract renewal of @JooAlmeida98, who has extended his stay with the team until the end of 2028 ✍🏼🇵🇹 🥇 A winner of 10 races in 2025, João has just enjoyed the best season of his career to date! Our Portuguese star will continue to spearhead
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