João Almeida Withdraws from 2026 Giro d’Italia: What Happened and What’s Next?

The cycling world was caught off guard on Monday when reports surfaced that Portuguese climber João Almeida would not be starting the 2026 Giro d’Italia, the first Grand Tour of the season. Almeida, a rising star and former podium contender, had been widely expected to lead UAE Team Emirates XRG in the race, which begins on May 8. His withdrawal raises questions about his form, team dynamics, and the broader implications for his 2026 campaign.

The Announcement: A Sudden Change of Plans

The news broke via a social media post from cycling journalist Lukáš Ronald Lukács, who shared the development with his followers. While the post did not specify the reason for Almeida’s withdrawal, it sparked immediate speculation among fans, and analysts. Almeida had been in Valencia for weeks, fine-tuning his form ahead of the Giro, and his absence from the start list was unexpected.

UAE Team Emirates XRG has not yet issued an official statement regarding Almeida’s withdrawal. However, sources close to the team suggest that the decision was made due to a combination of factors, including a recent illness and concerns about his readiness for the demanding three-week race. The team’s management is reportedly prioritizing Almeida’s long-term health and performance, particularly with the Vuelta a España later in the season.

Almeida’s Giro History: A Proven Contender

João Almeida, born on August 5, 1998, in A dos Francos, Portugal, has established himself as one of the most promising Grand Tour riders of his generation. His breakthrough came during the 2020 Giro d’Italia, where he wore the pink jersey for 15 days and finished fourth overall—the best result for a Portuguese rider in the race’s history. Almeida’s aggressive climbing style and time-trialing prowess have made him a consistent threat in stage races.

In 2023, Almeida won the young rider classification at the Giro and secured his first individual stage victory in the race. His palmares also include victories at the Tour de Romandie, Tour de Suisse, and Tour of the Basque Country in 2025, as well as stage wins at the Vuelta a España in the same year. These achievements have cemented his reputation as a future Grand Tour winner.

Team Dynamics: Pressure from Within?

Almeida’s withdrawal comes at a critical juncture for his career. In 2026, he is expected to share leadership duties at UAE Team Emirates XRG with rising Spanish talent Isaac Del Toro, who has been making waves with his performances in one-week stage races. Del Toro’s rapid ascent has added a layer of competition within the team, and some analysts have suggested that Almeida may be feeling the pressure to deliver results in a crowded leadership hierarchy.

The team’s management has publicly backed Almeida as a key figure for the future, but his absence from the Giro could signal a shift in focus toward later races in the season, such as the Vuelta a Burgos (August 4) and the Vuelta a España (August 22). Both events are part of Almeida’s confirmed race schedule for 2026, according to ProCyclingStats.

What’s Next for Almeida?

For now, Almeida’s immediate priority will likely be recovery and rebuilding his form. The Portuguese rider has a history of bouncing back from setbacks, and his team will be keen to ensure he is at his best for the second half of the season. The Vuelta a España, where Almeida won a stage in 2025, could be his next major objective.

Fans will also be watching closely to observe how Almeida responds to the internal competition at UAE Team Emirates XRG. With Del Toro emerging as a potential co-leader, Almeida may need to prove his worth in the coming months to secure his place at the top of the team’s Grand Tour hierarchy.

Key Takeaways

• João Almeida will not start the 2026 Giro d’Italia, despite being a favorite for the race.
• The withdrawal is reportedly due to a recent illness and concerns about his readiness for the three-week event.
• Almeida is a proven Grand Tour contender, with a fourth-place finish at the 2020 Giro and multiple stage wins in recent years.
• His absence raises questions about team dynamics at UAE Team Emirates XRG, particularly with rising star Isaac Del Toro in the mix.
• Almeida’s next major races are the Vuelta a Burgos (August 4) and the Vuelta a España (August 22).

FAQ

Why is João Almeida not racing the 2026 Giro d’Italia?

While an official statement has not been released, sources suggest Almeida’s withdrawal is due to a recent illness and concerns about his form ahead of the demanding three-week race. The team is reportedly prioritizing his long-term health and performance.

What are João Almeida’s biggest achievements in Grand Tours?

Almeida’s most notable Grand Tour result came at the 2020 Giro d’Italia, where he wore the pink jersey for 15 days and finished fourth overall. He also won the young rider classification at the 2023 Giro and secured stage victories at the 2023 Giro and 2025 Vuelta a España.

Who is João Almeida’s biggest rival at UAE Team Emirates XRG?

Rising Spanish talent Isaac Del Toro has emerged as a potential co-leader at UAE Team Emirates XRG. Del Toro’s strong performances in one-week stage races have added competition to the team’s leadership hierarchy, putting pressure on Almeida to deliver results.

What races will João Almeida target next?

According to his confirmed race schedule, Almeida’s next major events are the Vuelta a Burgos (August 4) and the Vuelta a España (August 22).

Conclusion

João Almeida’s withdrawal from the 2026 Giro d’Italia is a significant development for both the rider and his team. While the reasons behind the decision remain unclear, it underscores the challenges of balancing health, form, and team dynamics in professional cycling. As Almeida shifts his focus to later races in the season, fans will be eager to see how he responds to the setback and whether he can reclaim his status as one of the sport’s top Grand Tour contenders.