Can Joao Almeida challenge Jonas Vingegaard's lead and potentially seize the red jersey at the Vuelta?
In the ongoing Vuelta a España, the UAE Emirates-XRG team has managed to win an impressive 7 stages, but their efforts to close the gap with leader Jonas Vingegaard have been unsuccessful so far. Vingegaard, currently leading by 48 seconds, is conserving his energy and picking up seconds wherever he can, while also preserving his team.
Jonas Vingegaard's strategy seems to be working, as he and Almeida, supported by the UAE Team Emirates, are neck and neck in the general classification. However, Vingegaard has outpaced Almeida twice at the finish line, demonstrating his formidable strength.
Alejandro Valverde, winner of the Vuelta in 2009, believes Almeida has the level to compete but Vingegaard has a slight advantage. João Almeida's abandonment in the last Tour de France could present an advantage in terms of freshness compared to Vingegaard, who struggled all the way to Paris.
The UAE team has shown a strong performance in the Vuelta, doing nearly a perfect race. Their strategy is to keep attacking every day and seize every opportunity, hoping for an off day from their rival. Fernandez Matxin, sports manager of UAE, hopes to gain time on Jonas Vingegaard to put pressure on him before the final stage.
Felix Gall, currently in 5th place, could move up to the podium if he has a day like he did when he won the Tour (in 2023, at Courchevel), with steep climbs that suit him. Tom Pidcock, Jai Hindley, and Felix Gall are the pursuers in the general classification, and there is a possibility they could capitalize on their marking to turn the tables.
The week ahead in the Vuelta includes a summit finish, El Morredero (8.8 km at 9.5%), and a stage ending at Bola del Mundo (12.4 km at 8.6%). The time trial remains a question, with Almeida having a better time trial result in the same city (Valladolid) as two years ago.
João Almeida, the Portuguese leader, is facing two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar in the Vuelta. Jose Luis Arrieta, a two-time stage winner on the Spanish race, does not expect a quick resolution and thinks the week will pass quickly.
Marco Marcato, the UAE Emirates-XRG director of sports, was spotted strolling along Argazada beach on Monday morning, indicating a calm and strategic approach to the upcoming stages. Despite the close competition, Fernandez Matxin has no certainty about the advantage due to insufficient altitude training and preparation for this Vuelta.
The battle between UAE Emirates-XRG and Jonas Vingegaard continues to heat up as the Vuelta a España enters its final stages. With steep climbs ahead and the time trial still uncertain, the race for the top spot is far from over.
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