“We've discovered a new level with Almeida” – Gianetti takes positives despite losing Vuelta a Epana to Jonas Vingegaard

UAE Team Emirates – XRG came within touching distance of overall victory at the 2025 Vuelta a España, but had to settle for second place with João Almeida behind Jonas Vingegaard. The Dane sealed his third stage win of the race on the Bola del Mundo, closing the door on Almeida’s hopes of taking the red jersey before the final parade into Madrid. Despite the disappointment, both rider and team saw the campaign as a confirmation of Almeida’s status among cycling’s very best.

"This is very important for us, because we've discovered a new level with Almeida. He's very close to Vingegaard's level, and we all know how good Vingegaard is. He already did that with Del Toro in the Giro d'Italia. It's great to see for the future," said team principal Mauro Gianetti, who has overseen a Vuelta where UAE seemed to prioritise stages over Almeida’s red jersey campaign.

Indeed, the squad’s approach sparked debate. With seven stage victories collected and riders like Juan Ayuso and Jay Vine at times riding for themselves, questions were raised about internal unity. Gianetti, however, defended the choices made. "In the end, everyone was professional and serious. We're indeed letting Ayuso go, that's his decision. But here everyone was professional, and we couldn't have done anything differently."

The Italian admitted the power of Vingegaard ultimately proved decisive. "Vingegaard dropped us twice. We gained some time in the time trials, but not enough. We gave it our all, but yes, we also wanted to go for stages. Winning is winning. We want many riders to get a chance; that's simply important to us. Ultimately, we're very happy."

Almeida himself was left reflecting on a draining battle where he could not quite match the Visma leader. “It was incredibly tough,” he said after the Bola del Mundo showdown. “I was on the limit the whole day, but we had to try, there was nothing to lose. I didn’t have the best sensations, but it had to be done.”

Despite falling just short, he had no regrets. “I don’t regret anything, we gave it everything,” Almeida said, summing up a Vuelta defined by bold racing and collective effort. Looking back on the final showdown, he offered a succinct conclusion: “So close. We tried to win, and that’s how it is.”