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Joao Almeida won the final time trial of Tour of Switzerland 2024. The runner of UAE Team Emirates he managed to take home the second stage victory in this week which ended with an excellent second place in the general classification, behind teammate Adam Yates. The Portuguese champion showed excellent things, especially in the mountains and, speaking to our microphones at the end of the short stage race, he spoke about his test against time and also about how important the change of coach was for his progress, especially in climb.
Have you ever thought you could win the Tour of Switzerland?
“No, I knew that time trials suited me. But the flat part was windless, so I wasn’t able to gain much on that stretch, and also on the uphill Adam [Yates – ndr] it was super. I went for the stage, he was confident I could make it because of how I was pushing, I was doing the best numbers ever. I came close but I never gave up, I’m very happy.”
How did you manage the efforts on the climb?
“I can tell you that I always did a better pace than we had previously planned. From the plain to the top. I started with a very good pace and I always managed to get better and better.”
We feel like you’ve taken a step further and evolved a little bit
“Yes, this year I changed coach. I felt that a change was necessary for me. I know my body pretty well, so I know what works and what doesn’t. So I tried to improve a series of things and I think I did a good job and from this race I take home a lot of confidence for the future. At the beginning of the season I was a bit unlucky and ill, but these things happen. If you continue to work hard the results always come.”
You have always been strong on climbs, but perhaps before you lacked the momentum to attack, what has changed?
“I think in general if you are stronger you can attack and be more explosive, because you are fresher. Even if you are the best sprinter in the world, if you arrive at the sprint already at the limit you won’t be able to win the sprint. It’s all about how much energy you have left, it’s not easy to perform at such a high level.”
