João Almeida has committed his long-term future to UAE Team Emirates–XRG, signing a new contract that will keep him with the squad until the end of 2028. The extension comes at the close of a landmark year for the 27-year-old, who delivered the most complete season of his career and firmly established himself as one of the peloton’s most reliable Grand Tour specialists.
A season that reshaped Almeida’s status in the WorldTour
Almeida’s 2025 campaign elevated him from a consistent contender to one of the defining riders of the season. His run of form through the spring and early summer was unmatched: overall victories at Itzulia Basque Country, the Tour de Romandie and the Tour de Suisse showcased a rider who combined sharp climbing, a strong time trial and trademark resilience. His Tour de Suisse win included three stage victories, underlining the control he brought to a race that traditionally rewards all-rounders.
By the time the season reached the Vuelta a España, Almeida had become central to UAE Team Emirates–XRG’s Grand Tour plans. He led the team through a dominant three-week campaign that produced seven stage wins and took second overall for himself, his best general classification finish at a Grand Tour. A stage win on the Angliru cemented his credentials as both a climber and a rider capable of thriving in the most hostile terrain.
His growing influence has not been limited to personal results. He has been instrumental in the team’s recent Tour de France successes, helping secure overall victories in 2024 and 2025 and becoming a trusted figure in the squad’s mountain strategy.
Photo Credit: GettyA long-term partnership built on stability and ambition
Speaking after signing his new deal, Almeida emphasised the sense of belonging that has shaped his time with the Emirati team.
“I’m really happy to be continuing my journey with UAE Team Emirates–XRG. From the very beginning, I’ve felt at home – the environment, the professionalism and the trust the team has given me have all helped me become a better rider. Extending my contract gives me the confidence and stability to keep building toward the goals we share. I have great teammates and staff around me, and I’m really motivated for what lies ahead.”
The renewal reflects the team’s wider strategy for 2026 and beyond: building around a core group of long-term leaders capable of sustaining their Grand Tour ambitions through the next several seasons.
Photo Credit: GettyWhat Almeida’s extension means for the team
Almeida will continue to spearhead UAE Team Emirates–XRG’s stage race ambitions, sharing leadership duties across the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a España while remaining a cornerstone of their spring stage race programme. His consistency, especially in week-three situations, has made him one of the most dependable GC riders in today’s peloton.
With the team already boasting depth in climbing and time trialling talent, securing Almeida until 2028 strengthens their capacity to target multiple Grand Tours simultaneously – a priority for a squad that has dominated the calendar in recent years.
The extension also provides Almeida with the platform to target the elusive step that has so far eluded him: a Grand Tour overall victory. After podiums at the Giro and his second place at the 2025 Vuelta, he will enter the coming seasons as a contender rather than an outsider.
Photo Credit: GettyA rider entering his prime
Almeida’s new deal keeps him with UAE Team Emirates–XRG through what should be the peak years of his career. With a record of high-level consistency dating back to his breakthrough season in 2020, he has become one of the most complete GC performers in the sport: durable, tactically sharp and capable of withstanding the chaos that defines modern Grand Tour racing.
After banking three stage-race GC victories, seven Grand Tour podiums across stages and second overall at the Vuelta, 2025 marked the strongest argument yet that Almeida’s best years still lie ahead.
UAE Team Emirates–XRG clearly believe the same – and now that belief stretches to 2028.
