João Almeida - Bota Lume

[Krzysztof_O]

Strong and ambitious performance by the young man. He showed he's really worthy of the pink jersey. In the 3rd week he may well lose his lead but who knows if the 3rd week will be fully raced?

 

[will-10]

A super ride. The only rider who can beat Wilco now IMO.

 

[md1975]

They are both the same age, only 2 months apart. One had his birthday the day after the Tour, the other two months ago.

Yes, but I am just reffing to if he wins he will be 22. Even though you can say Pogacar was 22 when he won the TdF. It was only say 12-15hrs until he was 22. Still he won at 21.

 

[md1975]

Strong and ambitious performance by the young man. He showed he's really worthy of the pink jersey. In the 3rd week he may well lose his lead but who knows if the 3rd week will be fully raced?

IF he gets left on the coming big climbs...he will be top 5-10. However, if he can limit any losses (today hurt) I think he can qin the ITT and the Giro. But, both him and his team have to go into the big climbs with the knowledge that Wilco appears stronger in the climbs (as we assumed). Meaning they have to ride perfect for him and protect him. If he had a teammate like Froome had Porte...he might just have been able to hang on today and only lose say 10-15sec unlike today.

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

What a rider!
If the week 3 is raced as planned there might be important to be a good downhiller. What do we know of Almeidas downhill skills?

 

[BlueRoads]

What a rider!
If the week 3 is raced as planned there might be important to be a good downhiller. What do we know of Almeidas downhill skills?

Not bad. Not Nibali-like either. (But he does not need to stick with Nibali, just Kelderman?)

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

Maybe he need to catch up with Kelderman or even better: what if he's able to put pressure on Kelderman in the downhills?

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

He spoke to the press and said that in the future he could be leader for some races, but that he could also still be a helper. That he doesn't feel "it's necessary" for him to be a leader all the time.

 

[jfazendeiro]

"Almeida will lose minutes" is becoming a faith. A religion. Homilies before every 1st category.

 

[Eclipse]

Such spirit. The second he can do something he does with no fear.

 

[BlueRoads]

Have to say DQS going in the GC direction is the best thing that can happen to GTs. I'm fed up with people saving energy. Spend it like there's no tomorrow, guys...

I guess you draft alone in separate ways
You don't have all that far to go...
You were born to be just losers...
So I guess there's a limit on how far you go
But you only have a few more days together so
Please ride like there is no tomorrow
Hold on to your bike, tell us you mean it
These are your last kilometers and very soon it will be over
But today just ride like there is no tomorrow
Tomorrow god knows just where you'll be
Tomorrow who knows just what's in store for thee
Anything can happen but you only have one more day together, yeah
Just one more day forever, so
Ride it like there's no tomorrow

Okay, need to make amends, maybe he's not even a loser.

 

[jfazendeiro]

He reminds Cadel Evans type, no?

 

[lenric]

He reminds Cadel Evans type, no?

Not yet, as he still isn't looking behind his shoulder for ghosts.

 

[jfazendeiro]

Not yet, as he still isn't looking behind his shoulder for ghosts.

The attitude is of course different. Futhermore Evans pedaling style is inimitable. In terms of attributes I think they are quite similar.

 

[lenric]

To be honest, I think Almeida has been showing a different mentality when compared with Evans (especially until 2009).
It's still way too soon though.

 

[rodanafrenteguigs]

Despite what happen today, it was a hell of a ride by this wonderkid!

It will be very interesting follow this young guy!

And there is still time to win a stage! a show mor "grinta"

 

[JosefK]

He kept the party going longer than almost anyone thought possible. Well done. So many days in the maglia rosa.

 

[SafeBet]

Amazing effort today. Definitely somebody to keep an eye on for next year's GTs.

 

[Eclipse]

He raced, he fought, and he can finish with his head held high.

Needs to just hold things together now and he should still claim a very deserved top 5.

 

[savornin]

Hats off to this man. Great fighter. The Voeckler/Alaphilippe of this year's Giro.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

He lost a bit more time than i expected, but he still didn't "crack". Looks like top 5 is a lock, and with the ITT, he could even still make the podium (though that won't be easy) if he doesn't lose more time.

 

[Red Rick]

He clearly paid for that 30 second attack on stage 16.

 

[rodanafrenteguigs]

Would be amazing if this young kid put an effort tomorrow, win the stage and in the last day puts an assault on the podium!!!

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Would be amazing if this young kid put an effort tomorrow, win the stage and in the last day puts an assault on the podium!!!

Podium isn't completely impossible with the ITT. But unlikely.

 

[rodanafrenteguigs]

What a impressive performance so far for this wonderkid from Portugal!