That's because for the first time in his career, Almeida will be leading a team completely focused on his own GC potential, a feat that has been impossible in 2020 and 2021, when Quick Step had multiple goals, including racing Colombian sprinter Alvaro Hodeg two years ago, or 2021, when Almeida was overshadowed by Lemko Evenpoel, at least in the eyes of the Belgian media, is very different.
Twelve months later, with a different team, Almeida is now leading UAE Team Emirates, along with Richard Karapas (Ineos Grenadiers) and Simon Yates (Bike Exchange Jayco), as one of the favorites to win the Giro.
At the pre-race press conference, Almeida was asked if he felt liberated or under pressure.
"I don't feel pressure," Almeida replied. I work pretty hard to come here in my best condition."
"I don't really want to compare [my current team and Quick Step Alphavinil] too much. But I can talk about it now and I'm sure all my teammates are here with one goal in mind. Some teams have more than one leader, but we have one card."
Nevertheless, he was at pains to point out that if there is a moment when a breakaway becomes a serious option that doesn't threaten his own chances, it's not too late to let his teammates know they can strike in their own right.
"If there is a stage where some players can seize an opportunity, and they can take it, I would be the first to give it," he concluded.
He claimed that there were other changes as well, such as new trainers and time trial bikes. He added: "I think my physical condition is better overall, I'm stronger than before, I'm stronger in the mountains. I'm stronger than before and hopefully I'll be stronger in the mountains as well."
As for his new bike, he said, "I got good numbers in the wind tunnel. I'm looking forward to testing it on the road."
How Almeida will tackle the first of the two time trials, which is his specialty, is up for debate. On the one hand, there is the allure of wearing the pink jersey on the opening weekend, which would not be a bad thing, both as an appeal to his rivals and as a check on his own form.
"It's exciting, but maybe a little too early," he said, looking at things objectively, seeing both pros and cons.
"But the TT is pretty short. [Mathieu] van der Pol is a good example of a potential candidate for such an effort."
"If he gives it his all in the TT, gains some time or takes the jersey, that's a good sign."
But Almeida recognized that even though he is widely expected to succeed in the Giro, there are riders further up the hierarchy.
"Richard [Calapaz] is the number one favorite, he won the Giro, he's done well in the Grand Tours. I'm still a young guy. So I'm paying special attention to him."
"He's also a very good rider.
He also recognized that Carapaz's long-distance attack to take the lead in the Volta a Catalunya taught him one or three lessons about the Ecuadorians' ability to be unpredictable.
"That day showed how mentally strong he is," Almeida said Wednesday. 'He wasn't afraid of anything that day. His drive that day was amazing."
Almeida's GC contention in the UAE Team Emirates has also been linked to a certain Tadei Pogachar. As a teammate and Grand Tour winner, Pogachal is obviously helpful. But if that were the case, a rider as wary as Almeida would not talk about specifics.
"We had training camps together, we had lots of time to talk, and Grand Tours and cycling came up. But at the end of the day, it's all about the legs. If you're strong, you can keep up. If not, they'll drop you."
Almeida was similarly conservative in his definition of success in the Giro, not citing the possibility of a top five finish. Instead, he insisted that his own reputation, not the result on the sheet, was most important.
"If I don't crash, don't get sick, stay healthy, and finish at the top, that's a good Giro. Of course I want to win a stage and stay at the front, that's my goal. If you fail, you fail. But the important thing is to keep trying."
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