'I just won't quite be ready' – João Almeida ruled out of Giro d'Italia

João Almeida, the expected leader for UAE Team Emirates at the upcoming Giro d'Italia, has officially been ruled out of the race. Citing ongoing struggles with sickness in recent weeks, Almeida confirmed his withdrawal, stating he "won't quite be ready" for the Grand Tour. This announcement leaves UAE Team Emirates without their primary GC contender for the Italian three-week race, just days before the Grande Partenza.

This withdrawal marks a significant blow for both Almeida and UAE Team Emirates, particularly given his consistent top-10 finishes in previous Grand Tours, including a third-place at the 2023 Giro. His absence shifts the team's strategy dramatically, likely elevating riders like Jay Vine or Rafal Majka, though neither possesses Almeida's proven Grand Tour consistency. It also opens the door wider for other GC contenders, further intensifying an already competitive field.

Another pre-race favourite sidelined by illness; the modern peloton's fragility continues to underscore that Grand Tours are often won as much by resilience as by raw power.