Almeida Blames Teammates for Vingegaard Attack

Almeida Laments Lack of Team Support During Vingegaard’s Decisive Vuelta Attack

VALDEZCARAY,SPAIN – João Almeida expressed disappointment following Stage 9 of the Vuelta a España,revealing a lack of support from his UAE Emirates teammates during Jonas Vingegaard’s pivotal attack 11 kilometers from the finish at Valdezcaray’s ski resort. The Portuguese rider believes a stronger team response could have allowed him to stay with the race leader.

“I believe they were a little surprised [by the sudden acceleration of Visma and Vingegaard],” Almeida stated after the stage.”I think they didn’t expect it. I was well positioned, but it was hard to answer the attack ready. And then I couldn’t close the space. That’s what it is…”

Almeida received limited assistance from Australian teammate Jay Vine during the chase, but ultimately found himself isolated. He even attempted to solicit help from Ineos Grenadiers rider Tom Pidcock, acknowledging that Pidcock appeared to be at his limit. “I mean, I could see that he was on the edge, so I couldn’t ask him much more. And so, I couldn’t do much more.”

The 27-year-old rider emphasized his feeling of isolation in the final kilometers. “I missed my team a little. No one was with me at the end,so… that’s what it is. Being able to save what I could, but I think I could have followed him [Vingegaard] if I had had this help. We’ll see in the end.”

The incident raises questions about team strategy and responsiveness within UAE Emirates as Vingegaard solidified his position at the top of the general classification. The Vuelta continues with Stage 10, a challenging individual time trial.