“Sometimes we win, sometime not” – UAE Team Emirates – XRG react to rare defeat in 2025 at Tour de Romandie
Cycling
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.”
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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