PRESS CONFERENCE "I would put Remco above me" - Joao Almeida plays down place in cycling's Grand Tour hierarchy and confirms Tour de France absence

Joao Almeida spoke to the media at UAE Team Emirates - XRG’s press day about his race programme, his return to the Giro d’Italia, leadership ambitions across two Grand Tours, and how he views competing in one of the most competitive eras of modern cycling. CyclingUpToDate was present as the Portuguese rider answered questions in an extended press conference.

Can you outline your race programme for the season?
I’m going to start in Valencia, Algarve, the Pyrenees, Catalonia, then the Giro. After that, Nationals, Burgos and the Vuelta. For now, that’s what I have.

In terms of GC ambitions, is that both the Giro and the Vuelta?
And was there a debate between the Giro and the Tour? I like all the races. We’re trying to find a good place for everybody so that everyone is satisfied and happy. I would be happy doing any race.

We found this programme, which I really like, and I can’t wait to be back at the Giro.

The Giro starts in Bulgaria, where you raced early in your career. Did you ever win there?
No, it will be my first time racing there. But we’re kind of used to it now. Grand Tours often start abroad these days. It will be my first time there.

You have good memories from the Giro but also some bad luck. Do you go there aiming for the final jersey?
Of course, we go there with the mentality to fight for the race and try to win. Talking is easy and doing is another thing.

We will do our best and work hard for it. The contenders will be very strong as well. At the end of the day, it’s another race we need to focus on and be prepared for.

Last year you rode the Tour de France with Tadej Pogacar. Was it difficult not to go to the Tour this time?
No, not really. I like to do both. Of course, the Tour is the Tour. It’s a different race and a different atmosphere. When you do your first Tour, you really feel it’s another level.

But on the other hand, I’m really looking forward to doing the Giro again. It’s a beautiful race, and it’s nice to change the programme sometimes.

The combination of the Vuelta and the World Championships can be demanding. How do you see that?
I’m not a specialist in one day races. Of course, it’s always a pleasure to represent my country. Maybe in the future I will try to focus more on that and aim for better results there.

But the Vuelta will definitely be a main goal for me.

If certain big riders go to the Vuelta, does that raise the level and motivation?
I think it would be nice. It raises the level of the race and gives it more meaning. If you win there, people really understand how high the level is.

I’ve raced against him a few times, and if he goes, it will be a nice race for sure.

Did you learn anything from racing him at the World Championships?
At the end of the day, it’s about the legs. You can have a plan, but if your legs don’t respond, there’s nothing you can do.

He’s very smart and races a lot with his head. When he goes, he goes, there’s no faking. He can surprise you, so you need to be careful.

But the main thing is being strong. In cycling, that’s the most important thing.

Did Worlds make you think you can beat him, or that he’s unbeatable?
Everybody is beatable, right? Maybe not Pogacar.

But I think everyone is beatable. It was a different scenario and a different approach. We have no fear of anybody.

Can you elaborate on the decision to go to the Giro?
Was it your idea or the team’s? The route doesn’t affect it that much for me. I feel quite complete. Whether it’s more mountains or more time trial, it doesn’t change much.

I did two Vueltas and I wanted to go back to the Giro. I spoke with the management team and they gave me the opportunity. It was quite easy.

It was an idea from everyone. Everybody needs to be on the same page.

Do you feel you can still close the gap to the very best riders?
We all work hard with one goal. I feel I improve every year, but they also improve every year. It’s not easy at all.

Maybe one day I can push a little bit more, but it’s a very hard task.

Do you feel you need a Grand Tour win in your career?
I wouldn’t be disappointed if I didn’t win one, but of course I would really like to.

Not many riders have won a Grand Tour, especially in today’s cycling. The level is extremely high. I think I was born in a very hard era.

If everything goes perfectly, I think it’s possible. But stronger riders don’t always win either.

Would you say some riders are still on another level?
Yes, especially Pogacar. That’s quite clear.

Are you on the same level as Remco Evenepoel?
At the moment I would put Remco above me. His descending is better than mine. Climbing, sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Overall, I think he’s better than me right now. But we’ll see.

What about racing against former teammates like Jai Hindley?
We were teammates before, so it will be different. But I think it will be a fair race and nice competition. I’m excited for it.

Some riders say they need to be realistic in this era. Do you prefer realism or dreaming big?
I prefer to be realistic and focus on facts, not dreams. The facts don’t lie.

If I say I want to win the Tour de France against Pogacar or Vingegaard, that’s almost impossible. Of course, things can happen, but it wouldn’t be realistic.

But even if I was born in a very competitive era, these are also some of the best years cycling has ever had. So I’m glad I was born in this time.

Does your programme reflect a desire to race more as a leader?
Yes, definitely. I don’t think he needs me to win a Grand Tour. If that was necessary, I would sacrifice myself.

But I don’t think that’s the case. As a team, it’s smarter to maximise results by splitting leadership. That’s what we’re doing.

Any thoughts on recent incidents outside competition?
As riders, we just have to deal with it and focus on the race. Personally, I don’t think it changed much, but it’s sad it happened. There’s nothing we can do