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Unpredictable wind prevented Joao Almeida from fighting for the first red jersey: “It was a real shame, but it is what it is”

The Vuelta a Espana began today with an individual time trial in Lisbon, with three Portuguese riders in the peloton. All were strongly supported by their home fans over the 12 kilometers, and the first red jersey of the race was at stake.

One of the most challenged men at the end of his individual performance was UAE Team Emirates rider João Almeida, who has felt a huge amount of support these days as he is the Portuguese's big hope for a top result in the general classification. “It was the first time I was so busy. For Tadej Pogacar it's probably like that every day,” Almeida joked in the post-race interview. “I'm very grateful for all this support, it really makes the difference,” admits João with a big smile.


João Almeida senses the mood of the Portuguese public

As for his time trial, Almeida left the ramp at a time when the wind was strong and after kilometer 4 there was no escape, leaving him completely exposed. But the same was true for almost all the men in the peloton who later came out for the individual effort: “I'm happy with my time trial, I planned it well. It was very windy, especially at the end. It was a real shame, but it is what it is. My legs are fine, so I think that's a good thing,” concluded the young man from Caldas da Rainha. The race will pass by his house on tomorrow's stage.

After today's stage, João Almeida was 19 seconds behind the leader, which belongs to his teammate Brandon McNulty. As for the main favorites in the general classification, Almeida only lost 3 seconds to Primoz Roglic and gained time on everyone else. Compared to Enric Mas, Richard Carapaz, Mikel Landa or Carlos Rodriguez, Almeida already has a lead of twenty seconds or more.

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