João Almeida

João Almeida has quietly become one of the most consistent and respected GC riders in the WorldTour. Known for his strong time trialling, calm race temperament en relentless pacing in the mountains, the Portuguese rider has finished in the top five of all three Grand Tours and stood on the podium of the Giro d’Italia. Whether working for others or chasing victory himself, Almeida has become a cornerstone of UAE Team Emirates’ stage race ambitions and a national icon in Portugal.

Almeida was born on 5 August 1998 in A dos Francos, Portugal. He started in swimming and football before shifting to cycling in his teens. At 17 he won the national junior time trial and road titles, then moved to Italy and later joined Axel Merckx’s Axeon team, where he thrived in U23 races. In 2018 he won Liège–Bastogne–Liège U23 and placed second in the Giro U23, attracting attention from WorldTour teams. In 2020 he signed with Deceuninck–Quick-Step, entering the top tier at 21.

Almeida's Grand Tour debut came at the 2020 Giro d’Italia. After team leader Remco Evenepoel was injured, Almeida unexpectedly became Quick-Step’s GC leader. He seized the pink jersey on Stage 3 atop Etna and wore it for 15 straight days. That run, the longest ever by a Portuguese rider, highlighted his maturity and steady climbing. He ultimately finished fourth overall, a remarkable result in his first Grand Tour.

In 2021 Almeida returned to the Giro and finished sixth, showing resilience after early time losses. Later that year he won the Tour de Pologne and the Tour de Luxembourg, marking his first GC victories. He also claimed his first national title in the time trial.

In 2022, now with UAE Team Emirates, he won stages in Catalunya and Burgos, and was fourth overall in the Giro before testing positive for COVID-19 in the final week. He returned to win the Portuguese road race title and placed fifth in the Vuelta while helping teammate Juan Ayuso to third.

Almeida’s 2023 was a major step forward. He won Stage 16 of the Giro with a long-range attack and finished third overall, becoming the first Portuguese rider in over 40 years to reach a Grand Tour podium. He also claimed the white jersey as best young rider. That summer he added another time trial national title and helped UAE at the Vuelta.

In 2024, Almeida made his Tour de France debut. Supporting Tadej Pogačar, he still managed to finish fourth overall, underlining his strength over three weeks. He also won stages and finished second overall at the Tour de Suisse, and started the Vuelta as UAE’s leader before another COVID-19 case forced him to abandon.

In spring 2025, Almeida hit new heights. He won the overall titles at  Itzulia Basque Country, Tour de Romandie, and Tour de Suisse. By mid-2025, he had over 20 pro wins and a growing reputation as a steady Grand Tour contender.

Almeida is a calm, controlled racer who rarely has a bad day. His best asset is his time trial, where he regularly gains time on rivals. He is a two-time Portuguese TT champion and among the most consistent TT performers in GC racing. In the mountains, he prefers a steady, high-tempo pace rather than explosive attacks. This has helped him limit losses and ride back into contention late in races.

Tactically, he is conservative but smart. While some critics have called him defensive, he has shown attacking flair when the opportunity is right, most notably with his stage win at Monte Bondone in the 2023 Giro. His calm approach also makes him a valuable team player, able to support others while staying in the GC mix himself.

At UAE, he splits leadership duties with Ayuso or supports Pogačar, depending on the race.

Almeida’s move from Quick-Step to UAE in 2022 was partly driven by a desire for more leadership chances, away from Evenepoel. Since then, he has carved out his own path, co-leading the team in the Giro or Vuelta and playing a key role in the Tour.

He has a internal rivalry with Juan Ayuso, with both young riders pushing each other.

In Portugal, he is a national hero and widely considered the best Portuguese cyclist since Joaquim Agostinho.

Almeida is reserved and grounded. He speaks fluent Portuguese, English, Spanish and Italian, and is respected for his professionalism and quiet confidence. He enjoys time with family, keeps a low profile off the bike and prefers to let his legs do the talking. His nickname, “A Pantera,” reflects his racing style: calm, patient, and ready to strike when the time is right.

Almeida signed a five-year deal with UAE Team Emirates in 2022, running through 2026. His salary is estimated between €1 and €2 million per year, placing him among the highest-paid Portuguese athletes.

• First Portuguese rider to podium a Grand Tour since 1979 (3rd at Giro 2023)
• Top-six finish in all three Grand Tours
• Stage wins at the Giro, Suisse, Catalunya, Romandie and more
• Tour de Pologne, Tour de Suisse and Tour de Romandie overall winner
• Two-time Portuguese time trial champion

Almeida’s main goal remains to win a Grand Tour. With podiums and top-five finishes already secured, he now targets overall victory.

He also has his eye on a medal at the Olympics, especially in the time trial. And with world championship TTs and one-week stage races increasingly in reach, Almeida’s opportunities continue to grow.

Still only 26, he has many peak years ahead. With his steady progress, elite team, and relentless consistency, João Almeida remains one of the sport’s most dependable and determined GC riders. His next breakthrough may only be a matter of time.