"We're more than teammates; we’re friends" - João Almeida goes above and beyond for Tadej Pogacar on stage 4 of 2025 Tour de France

João Almeida emerged as one of the key figures in Stage 4 of the 2025 Tour de France, playing a pivotal role in helping Tadej Pogacar claim a hard-fought victory in Rouen. The Portuguese rider was full of praise for UAE Team Emirates - XRG, emphasising the importance of unity and shared effort after a tense and tactical day on the road.

"We did a really strong job as a team — everyone played their part," Almeida reflected post-stage. "I just finished it off, but the others put in a huge effort all day. We stuck to the plan, and Tadej was the strongest at the finish. It was perfect."

That collective spirit, according to Almeida, is one of the team’s greatest strengths. With camaraderie and mutual trust at its core, UAE Team Emirates - XRG has shown exceptional cohesion in the opening week of the Tour. "It’s not just about me — it’s about all eight of us. We're more than teammates; we’re friends. We work together with a shared purpose, and it’s a real pleasure to be part of something like that."

Stage 4 was anything but straightforward. With constant attacks and tactical pressure from rivals like Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Alpecin-Deceuninck, it was a day that demanded full focus and commitment from the UAE squad. Almeida was in the thick of the action and described the intensity of the finale. "It was tough — everyone was attacking, and we had to keep the race under control to protect Tadej. I think I did my job well, and I even managed to push hard in the final moments."

Pogacar’s triumph in Rouen wasn’t just his first stage win of this year’s Tour — it also marked the 100th professional victory of his career, a milestone that Almeida was proud to help achieve. "Incredible — win number 100 for Tadej. It’s an honour to contribute to a moment like that. The team was absolutely spot-on today."

With understated honesty and evident pride, João Almeida underscored both his vital support role and the collective strength of UAE Team Emirates - XRG — a squad with its eyes firmly set on delivering a fourth yellow jersey to Tadej Pogacar.