João Almeida - Bota Lume

[Peyroteo94]

Portuguese sports media (Record) is saying that he’ll extend with UAE until 2028

Bye bye Ayuso. But I'm not happy with this.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Even more disappointing about the crash with how the race is going right now. This year could have been his big chance for the podium.

 

[Squire]

The crash looks even more unfortunate now. Would have been an easy podium spot barring extraterrestrial Lipowitz.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Almeida has the chance to do the funniest thing and beat Vingegaard and Ayuso but I think best case scenario is second with maybe a stage win.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Almeida has the chance to do the funniest thing and beat Vingegaard and Ayuso but I think best case scenario is second with maybe a stage win.

I actually think Ayuso will be better than him. Easy GT + broken rib, Almeida will struggle to beat Ayuso. Vingegaard will win the Vuelta quite easily. He is miles better than everybody else not named Pogacar.

 

[QueenStagiaire]

I actually think Ayuso will be better than him. Easy GT + broken rib, Almeida will struggle to beat Ayuso. Vingegaard will win the Vuelta quite easily. He is miles better than everybody else not named Pogacar.

I don‘t see why Vingegaard should be better than at the 2023 Vuelta considering he‘s looked worse than 2023 all season. If one of Ayuso and especially Almeida can find some of their early season legs, they could challenge Vingegaard.

 

[Peyroteo94]

I don‘t see why Vingegaard should be better than at the 2023 Vuelta considering he‘s looked worse than 2023 all season. If one of Ayuso and especially Almeida can find some of their early season legs, they could challenge Vingegaard.

He lost to Pogacar but still was miles better than Lipo.

 

[QueenStagiaire]

He lost to Pogacar but still was miles better than Lipo.

And in 2023 he beat Pogačar and was the same miles better than everyone else but he was inconsistent and not dominant during the Vuelta. Almeida this year should be way better than 2023 Ayuso and could challenge August Vingegaard.

 

[P4rthen0n]

I don‘t see why Vingegaard should be better than at the 2023 Vuelta considering he‘s looked worse than 2023 all season. If one of Ayuso and especially Almeida can find some of their early season legs, they could challenge Vingegaard.

2025 Vingegaard is notably stronger than any version of 2023 Vingegaard, even though he has been less successful this year (but that is interely due to Pogacar).
And he's one of the mutants. Mutants are always the favourites against non-mutants.

I would say that if Almeida goes into the Vuelta in his absolute top shape and Vingegaard is missing a step, than we may have a fight.
Almeida and Ayuso must do the 1-2 punch to wear down Vingegaard. That may also give them an edge.
Otherwise it's hard to imagine Vingegaard losing too much time either in ITT or the climbs.

 

[Saint Paul de Vence]

2025 Vingegaard is notably stronger than any version of 2023 Vingegaard, even though he has been less successful this year (but that is interely due to Pogacar).
And he's one of the mutants. Mutants are always the favourites against non-mutants.

I would say that if Almeida goes into the Vuelta in his absolute top shape and Vingegaard is missing a step, than we may have a fight.
Almeida and Ayuso must do the 1-2 punch to wear down Vingegaard. That may also give them an edge.
Otherwise it's hard to imagine Vingegaard losing too much time either in ITT or the climbs.

Almeida and Ayuso working together what an epic story for the Vuelta

 

[P4rthen0n]

Almeida and Ayuso working together what an epic story for the Vuelta

Ayuso knows he will become the leader if he gets in a few seconds or 1 minute up with the red jersey. So he will attack as soon as possible.
Almeida can't close his own team mate... and since he's a diesel, he can't really yoyo with the whole GC group (other than Vingegaard) on his wheel. He'll be stuck.
Soler and Jay Vine will see it as the perfect opportunity to get a stage win or the KOM jersey.

What a circus it will be.

 

[noob]

Ayuso knows he will become the leader if he gets in a few seconds or 1 minute up with the red jersey. So he will attack as soon as possible.
Almeida can't close his own team mate... and since he's a diesel, he can't really yoyo with the whole GC group (other than Vingegaard) on his wheel. He'll be stuck.
Soler and Jay Vine will see it as the perfect opportunity to get a stage win or the KOM jersey.

What a circus it will be.

Remember Catalunya 2022 🤣🤣🤣🤣 He did diesel past Ayuso and Ayuso didn't help him since 🤣🤣🤣

But honestly I think their dynamic will be 80% of the race.

I assume they will have more teammates going for top 10 and it might benefit them. Vine, Soler could be the threat that puts pressure on Jonas.

But I assume Jonas will win anyway.

 

[noob]

I actually think Ayuso will be better than him. Easy GT + broken rib, Almeida will struggle to beat Ayuso. Vingegaard will win the Vuelta quite easily. He is miles better than everybody else not named Pogacar.

Agreed! While in house rivalry gives Almeida the extreme extra motivation he might still have some lingering pain and definitely not ideal preparation!