"My head is more on the time trial" - Joao Almeida still playing the long game at the Tour de Suisse

The 2025 Tour de Suisse is entering its decisive weekend. Saturday brings the final mountain stage, but the general classification is expected to be settled on Sunday’s closing uphill time trial, rather than in the high mountains.

Joao Almeida, currently 39 seconds behind race leader Kevin Vauquelin, sees a clear path to a potential comeback. The UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider has already won Itzulia and the Tour de Romandie this season and knows that one more strong ride could deliver a third consecutive week-long WorldTour title.

Still, Almeida doesn’t expect major gaps to open up on Stage 7. Although the day heads into hilly terrain, he believes the profile suits his French rival. “It's possible that some differences will be created today. But it's a pretty explosive stage, and I think that suits Kevin (Vauquelin). But well, we'll see how it develops, because it's quite a long day. For sure the breakaway will have a great chance. There are a lot of things that are going to be taken into account. But well, we'll have the time trial tomorrow as well,” he explained ahead of the stage.

Unlike longer, more selective climbs that tend to favour endurance and pacing, Saturday’s route offers less elevation gain and a sharper, punchier finale, conditions that may align more closely with Vauquelin’s strengths than Almeida’s steady, power-based climbing style.

But when the race hits Sunday’s uphill time trial, the pendulum may swing. With a profile featuring a 9-kilometre climb at an average gradient of 8%, and the final 5 kilometres close to 10%, the race is set to conclude with a test of sustained climbing and solo effort, where Almeida traditionally thrives.

“My head is a little more on the time trial than on today. The goal in the time trial will be to go all out, go for the stage win and hopefully win the overall as well. But obviously that's easier said than done,” Almeida said.

It’s a familiar position for the Portuguese climber: slightly behind, but confident in his ability to claw back time on terrain that suits him. If his legs respond, and Vauquelin falters even slightly, the 39-second gap could quickly evaporate on the long final climb against the clock.

After this, Almeida will then head to the Tour de France as the key rider in support of Tadej Pogacar. Remember, Almeida finished fourth in France last year, despite riding mostly in support of Pogacar.