“Jonas was simply stronger” – Joao Almeida finds positives in Volta ao Algarve second place behind Vingegaard

Joao Almeida concluded his campaign at the Volta ao Algarve with a strong performance, securing second place overall behind Jonas Vingegaard. The UAE Team Emirates – XRG rider finished sixth in the final day's time trial, 31 seconds behind Vingegaard, who claimed both the stage win and the overall victory.

“The sensations are positive,” Almeida told CyclingPro. “Even though I would have liked to win. However, I think I did a very good time trial, I don’t think I could have done much more so I’m happy with how it went today. Today I even went better than I expected honestly, Jonas was simply stronger.”

Earlier in the race, Almeida had opted to let his teammate, Jan Christen, take a stage victory. Looking back, does he now regret that decision?

"Obviously, thinking back today, it is easy to say that I would change my decision to leave the victory to Jan Christen on the finish of Alto da Foia, but I still feel that I made the right choice, in the end it is part of racing."

Despite missing out on the overall win, it has undoubtedly been a very positive start to the season for the Portuguese rider so far.