Joao Almeida’s Withdrawal Casts a Shadow Over Tadej Pogacar’s Tour de France Aspirations
July 13, 2025 – The Tour de France, a spectacle of athletic prowess and strategic maneuvering, has once again delivered an unexpected twist, this time with the early withdrawal of Portuguese rider Joao Almeida. While the reasons behind Almeida’s departure from the peloton are still emerging, his absence is already sending ripples through the race, potentially impacting the ambitions of Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar.
Almeida, a consistent performer and a rider known for his resilience and tactical acumen, was widely considered a key ally for Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates. As a strong climber and a reliable domestique, Almeida’s presence in the mountains was expected to provide crucial support to Pogacar in his quest for a third Tour de France title. His ability to set a strong tempo on climbs, protect Pogacar from crosswinds, and potentially even chase down breakaway groups would have been invaluable in the grueling stages ahead.
Pogacar, who has been a dominant force in recent Tours, relies heavily on a strong and cohesive team to navigate the complexities of the race. The loss of Almeida, particularly at this juncture, presents a significant challenge. It means that other riders on the team will need to step up and fill the void left by Almeida’s absence, potentially spreading their resources thinner. This could mean more work for other key domestiques, such as Adam Yates, who may have to balance their own contributions with the increased responsibility of supporting Pogacar.
Furthermore, Almeida’s strong individual performances often served as a valuable pawn for Pogacar’s tactical plans. His ability to stay with the leading group or to launch targeted attacks could have been used to disrupt rivals and create opportunities for Pogacar to pounce. Without Almeida, these tactical options may be more limited, forcing Pogacar and his team to rely more heavily on his individual brilliance.
The impact of Almeida’s withdrawal also extends to the broader dynamics of the race. Teams that were potentially counting on Almeida’s strength to help control certain stages or to counter attacks may now need to reassess their strategies. This unforeseen shift in personnel can often lead to a more open and unpredictable race, with opportunistic riders potentially sensing a chance to capitalize on the altered landscape.
While the specific details of Almeida’s withdrawal are yet to be fully clarified, the immediate consequence is a notable disruption to Tadej Pogacar’s meticulously crafted plans. The coming stages will undoubtedly test the depth and adaptability of the UAE Team Emirates squad as they strive to maintain their position at the forefront of this prestigious Grand Tour. All eyes will be on how Pogacar and his remaining teammates respond to this setback, and whether they can overcome the absence of a crucial ally to achieve their ultimate goal.
Tour de France 2025 : pourquoi l’abandon de Joao Almeida contrarie déjà les plans de Tadej Pogacar
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France Info published ‘Tour de France 2025 : pourquoi l’abandon de Joao Almeida contrarie déjà les plans de Tadej Pogacar’ at 2025-07-13 16:34. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.