UAE believed Almeida could win, but he expected more from Vingegaard on the "world’s toughest climb"

“This is a very special victory, I still can't believe it,” Almeida enthused immediately after the finish on the rollers in the flash interview. The team leader was the culmination of a well-thought-out plan, in which UAE Emirates-XRG took control towards the top of the penultimate climb from Visma | Lease a Bike. “My teammates were pivotal today; they rode a truly remarkable stage.”

Jay Vine set a blistering pace for a long time, and Felix Großschartner was able to push even harder. “The sixth stage victory in this Vuelta, it’s unbelievable,” said the 31-year-old Austrian. “We believed that João was capable of beating Jonas, and it's very bizarre that he succeeded. We are very proud of him.”

“We planned to take control on the penultimate climb, also because the road to Angliru is quite tricky,” explained Großschartner. However, even he did not expect to launch Almeida like that. “Fortunately, there weren't many men left after my turn. João has shown here that he can beat Vingegaard, so it's going to be an interesting last ten days.”

Sports director Joxean Matxin agreed with Eurosport: “The plan was to support João today and ride at a high pace. It was Almeida-style on the final climb, just go and ride fast. This is a prestigious victory on the Angliru; beating Vingegaard is always a remarkable achievement. We've been able to win a few times from the breakaway, but this wasn't like that.

While UAE spoke of a perfectly executed plan, Almeida indicated that he had expected a little more from Vingegaard in the final phase. “I rode at my pace from the foot and did everything I could. Jonas was constantly on my wheel,” he analyzed. However, the Dane was unable to get past him.

“In the last kilometer, I was really at my limit, but apparently we both were, because I was waiting for his attack and feared he was going to pass me. However, I still remembered the finish from two years ago and took the last corner first. Then it's difficult to get past,” said Almeida, who spoke of the world's toughest climb. “It was crazy. I'm glad it's over.”

What remains now is a battle with Vingegaard for the overall victory, right? After 13 days, the Portuguese rider is 46 seconds behind his rival from Visma | Lease a Bike. “Of course, I'm hoping for the overall victory. I have to make up time on Jonas, but he's looking phenomenal so far. It will be a tough task, but we will never give up.”