“Sometimes we win, sometime not” – UAE Team Emirates – XRG react to rare defeat in 2025 at Tour de Romandie

João Almeida narrowly missed out on victory on Stage 4 of the Tour de Romandie, losing to Lenny Martinez in the uphill finish. Despite the setback, the UAE Team Emirates – XRG rider remains in a strong overall position heading into tomorrow’s decisive time trial.

Sporting director Fabrizio Guidi shared his thoughts with Cycling Pro Net after the stage, praising the team’s efforts even if the result fell just short.

“Yeah we did what we have to do. Unfortunately we didn't even get a stage but that's sport, sometimes we win, sometime not. But tomorrow is another day and we look ahead.”

Guidi also acknowledged that Lenny Martinez had been on their radar well before the race began, and he was not surprised by his impressive result.

“Lenny Martinez is strong, is coming, and as a young guy super motivated. And we knew that he was one of the contender and... he won. Fine, good compliment.”

Attention now shifts to Saturday’s 17km individual time trial, which features a key climb midway through the course and is expected to play a decisive role in the general classification.

“Now we are two good TT riders close in GC and of course tomorrow we go all in. Probably the weather will be not super but tomorrow morning we go there, we scout and then full gas.”

Guidi expressed confidence in Almeida’s ability to perform, “Yeah not too too much to think. It's a good course for Joao, you think. I see to draw it, see to Joao.”

He concluded with a reminder of the mindset required for the time trial, “Anyway, they have to go all in. That doesn't matter who sits or not. They are alone and it's a game, not against another rider but against themselves. So it's a fight in between Joao and Joao.”