Almeida couldn't keep up with competitors Roglic and Thomas in stage 18: "Not at my best from start to finish"

It was a tough day for Joao Almeida, the second-placed rider in the general classification of the Giro d'Italia. The Portuguese UAE Team Emirates rider couldn't keep up with favorites Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) and Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma), resulting in him dropping from second to third place in the overall standings.

"I didn't feel so good," Almeida concluded in an interview with Cycling Pro Net. "Fortunately, my team performed perfectly today. They closed some gaps for me." Almeida acknowledged the valuable contribution of his teammate Jay Vine, stating, "Jay, in particular, was really strong. I am very grateful."

While Almeida managed to win the last tough mountain stage, stage 16 to Monte Bondone, he struggled two days later. "It was a short but very intense day. It was quite tough. It wasn't my best performance today, but on the other hand, I didn't lose much time to the other riders," Almeida referred to current pink jersey holder Thomas and Roglic. "It wasn't so bad, and I will keep fighting until the end. Maybe I'll lose more time tomorrow, or maybe not."

Almeida "not at best from start to finish"

Team manager Mauro Gianetti spoke with Almeida immediately after the race, when the rider also told him that he wasn't at his best. "João had a bit of a harder time today. He wasn't feeling his best, but he didn't lose too much to his two rivals either. He told me after the stage that he didn't feel at his best from the beginning. He felt good, but not great," team manager Mauro Gianetti told Eurosport.

Gianetti also expects fireworks in the coming days. "I expect a lot from tomorrow. It looks like we'll be getting a beautiful spectacle. Roglič wants to make up for some of his time deficit, Thomas wants to extend his lead before the time trial, and of course, João wants to close the gap with both of them. It will definitely be a great battle."