Almeida tames the Angliru for UAE Team Emirates–XRG's sixth Vuelta stage win

Portuguese rider 2nd on GC as deficit to Vingengaard reduces to +46''

News | Team – 5th September 2025

João Almeida conquered the legendary climb of the Angliru today with a commanding ride to take Stage 13 of the Vuelta a España, adding yet another success to UAE Team Emirates–XRG’s remarkable tally in 2025.

The Portuguese rider was the strongest on the decisive ramps of the Asturian climb, distancing all rivals—including race leader Jonas Vingegaard (Visma Lease a Bike)—in the final sprint to seal an emotional first Vuelta stage victory.

The triumph marks the team’s 79th victory of the season and the sixth at this year’s Vuelta.

Almeida: “Yes this is a special one, I still don’t believe it. Thanks to my teammates, they were key today. We did an amazing stage. I just put my pace from the bottom, and I just did the best I could. The last kilometre was on the limits. I guess we’re both on the limits.

I was waiting for his attack anytime. I thought he might pass me in the finish line, but I knew the finish line from two years ago. So I took the last corner, and then it’s hard to pass. I think this is the hardest time in the world. It’s crazy. I’m very sore.”

The 202km stage from Cabezon de la Sal to the fearsome Alto de l’Angliru was always destined to be decisive, with its trio of punishing climbs in the finale: the Alto de la Mozqueta, Alto del Cordal, and finally the Angliru with pitches over 20%. UAE Team Emirates–XRG rode the stage with discipline and intent. Jay Vine and Felix Grossschartner stayed close to Almeida all day, offering steady pacing and protection as the race splintered.

Meanwhile, Rui Oliveira, who had been part of the day’s breakaway, dropped back to provide an extra layer of support at the critical approach to the Angliru. Vine then set a hard rhythm on the lower slopes of the final climb, thinning out the group of favourites and paving the way for Almeida to measure his effort against Jonas Vingegaard in the last 6km, ultimately pushing on in the closing kilometre to power home for a historic win.

Stage 13 results

1. João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates–XRG) 4 h 54′ 15″

2. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) +6”

3. Jai Hindley — Red Bull–BORA-hansgrohe +28″

General Classification after Stage 13

1.Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) 49 h 30′ 54″

2.João Almeida  (UAE Team Emirates–XRG) +0′ 46″

3.Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) +2′ 18″