João Almeida is “disappointed” with withdrawal but believes in Pogacar’s triumph

João Almeida leaves the Tour de France disappointed after retiring during the ninth stage, but believes everything is on track for his Slovenian teammate Tadej Pogacar to win the 112th edition.

"This wasn't the way I had planned to finish this Tour. I leave feeling sad and disappointed with what happened. I gave it my all, but there comes a point where we have to listen to our bodies," the UAE Emirates rider admitted in statements sent to Portuguese journalists by his press office.

The fourth-placed rider in the Tour2024 retired during today's stage of the 'Grande Boucle', when 89 kilometers of the 174.1 kilometers between Chinon and Châteauroux had been completed.

On Friday, the 26-year-old Portuguese rider was involved in a fall just over six kilometers from the end of the 197 between Saint-Malo and the Wall of Brittany, fracturing a rib and suffering deep bruises on his body.

"Now I just need to recover and rest, heal my wounds. And then think about my next goals," added the cyclist from A-dos-Francos, who plans to participate in the Vuelta a España between August 23 and September 14.

One of the contenders for the podium in the 112th Tour de France, the best Portuguese rider of the moment is the first favorite to retire, with his retirement being a "big loss" for UAE Emirates, as admitted by the yellow jersey, Tadej Pogacar.

"I feel that, although I'm leaving the team in this first part of the race, I did a good job and I'm proud of what I did and of the team. I wish them all the best until the end; I know we have the ability to win the Tour," said the 26-year-old Portuguese rider, who was named the best team player of the first week of the Tour.

After the ninth stage, 'Pogi', who is the reigning champion and is looking for his fourth overall victory in the French race, has a 54-second advantage over Belgian Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), with Frenchman Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) closing the podium, 01.11 minutes behind.

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to be part of it until the end, but I think everything is on track and we have a strong team to achieve victory in this Tour de France," concluded the only Portuguese to finish in the top 5 of the three major Tours – he was third in the 2023 Giro and fourth in the 2022 Vuelta.

*with Lusa Agency