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João Almeida Clinches 2025 Tour de Suisse Victory with Stunning Uphill Time Trial Performance

In a breathtaking finale to the 2025 Tour de Suisse, João Almeida of UAE Team Emirates XRG showcased his extraordinary resilience and skill by winning the 10.1km mountain time trial at Stockhütte, ultimately securing the overall title ahead of rivals Kévin Vauquelin and Oscar Onley

João Almeida Clinches 2025 Tour de Suisse Victory with Stunning Uphill Time Trial Performance

Entering the final stage with a 33-second deficit to Vauquelin, Almeida's determination was palpable as he set off on the challenging course. By the intermediate checkpoint at 4.5km, he had significantly closed the gap, overtaking Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling) shortly thereafter. Almeida crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 27:33, finishing 24 seconds faster than Felix Gall (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) and sealing his triumph in the general classification.

Vauquelin, despite a valiant effort that saw him finish fourth in the time trial, secured second overall, marking his best performance in a WorldTour stage race to date. British prodigy Onley took the stage’s third position, propelling him into the overall podium as Alaphilippe slipped to fifth in the general classification.

Almeida's victory is a testament to his incredible comeback throughout the race. After losing over three minutes on the opening day, he initially feared his chances for the overall title were dashed. However, he steadily regained momentum, achieving a solo victory on the fourth day’s mountain stage to Piuro, and steadily clawing back time in subsequent stages. His determination culminated in his triumphant performance on the final day, symbolizing a remarkable turnaround.

Reflecting on his victory, Almeida expressed his joy: “It was a long way to the top; one mistake can cost you a lot, but luckily we could make up for it. I’m super happy. I did a really good climb. For a few moments, I thought my power meter wasn’t calibrated because it was showing high numbers.”

Looking ahead, Almeida has set his sights on the Tour de France, where he will serve as a crucial support rider for defending champion Tadej Pogacar. “I’ll be at the Tour de France to support Tadej, and hopefully, we can get more wins there,” he stated, adding to his impressive track record with three consecutive stage race victories, including recent triumphs at the Itzulia Basque Country and the Tour de Romandie.

The Tour de Suisse victory not only underscores Almeida’s exceptional talent but also solidifies his status as a key player in the world of professional cycling. Fans and cycling enthusiasts can look forward to seeing him in action at the upcoming Tour de France, where he aims to continue his winning streak.

VIDEO: Tour de Suisse Men's Stage 8 Final KM's

2025 Tour de Suisse Final General Classification

1. João Almeida (Por) UAE Team Emirates-XRG, +29:29:01
2. Kévin Vauquelin (Fra) Arkéa-B&B Hotels, +1:07
3. Oscar Onley (GBr) Picnic PostNL, +1:58
4. Felix Gall (Aut) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, +2:20
5. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra) Tudor Pro Cycling Team, +3:57
6. Lennard Kämna (Ger) Lidl - Trek, +4:52
7. Ben O'Connor (Aus) Jayco AlUla, +5:08
8. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Quick-Step, +6:16
9. Pablo Castrillo (Esp) Movistar, +6:41
10. Clément Champoussin (Fra) XDS Astana, +8:30