The Portuguese cyclist João Almeida is enjoying his vacation with his girlfriend in the United Arab Emirates, as can be seen in photos posted on the Instagram social network. However, he already has plans for the upcoming season, including a partnership with Tadej Pogacar and participation in the Tour de France.
According to a report in the newspaper A Bola, citing sources very close to the team, João Almeida will have a very similar calendar to 2023, with some more significant changes.
Beginning of the season in Spain and then Portugal
The Portuguese athlete will start by competing in the Challenge de Mallorca and then head to Portugal, where he will participate in the Figueira Champions Classic on February 10 and the Volta ao Algarve from February 14 to 18, 2024.
In these two Portuguese races, João Almeida will be alongside Tadej Pogacar, who has also confirmed his presence on Portuguese soil.
Tour de France for Almeida, Ayuso, and Pogacar?
Thus, there is suspense about what might happen at the end of the season. Almeida and Ayuso have already shown that they are ready to make their debut in the Tour de France in 2024, but it’s very likely that they will join the Slovenian, who seems interested in reclaiming the title in France.
Leaving Portugal, João will race in the Tirreno-Adriatico and then return to Spain to compete in the Volta à Catalunha. Looking at the races he will participate in, it is safe to say that João Almeida will defend the 3rd place he achieved this year in the Giro d’Italia before participating in the National Championship of Portugal.
Changes in the second half of the 2024 season
João Almeida’s calendar for the second half of the season may change. First, because his debut in the Tour de France is not entirely ruled out, and second, because he is one of the eligible athletes for the Paris Olympics.
In this regard, one of the races on the calendar, the Tour de Pologne, is currently unknown. João Almeida will also participate in the European Championships and the World Championships.
