"My form is not really the same as before the Giro" - João Almeida heading to the Vuelta a Espana low on confidence

Finishing 3rd at the Giro d'Italia earlier this year, João Almeida will reignite his rivalry with the likes of Remco Evenepoel, Geraint Thomas and Primoz Roglic at the upcoming Vuelta a Espana, although he admits his form isn't at the same level.

"My form is not really the same as before the Giro, because I had a setback after the World Championship," the Portuguese rider explains at a pre-race press conference. “This preparation has been very different from the Giro, because I didn't train as much as I would have liked. But I have trained enough. So I think I have good form. I will soon find out how well it will go.”

Part of a strong UAE Team Emirates lineup, Almeida is alongside the likes of Jay Vine and Juan Ayuso. “It will not be easy against this competition, but our cooperation is good. I think we can compete for the podium," declares the 25-year-old.

The biggest challenge though is arguably from recent Tour de France winner, Jonas Vingegaard and the Jumbo-Visma team that also includes Roglic. "He is of course very strong," Almeida says of the Dane. “He comes from the Tour and has taken a good rest. And even if he has not done an altitude training, he has had a good preparation.”