João Almeida extends contract with UAE Team Emirates - XRG until 2028 - "I’ve felt at home here"
CyclingTuesday, 18 November 2025 at 10:00
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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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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