MONTE BONDONE – As Thomas finishes speaking, Almeida sits down, places a bowl of rice and eggs on the table and begins to empty two jars of ketchup into it.He stands there stirring with hungry eyes and methodical, careful gestures. So let's assume he's also upset when the new pink jersey gets up and they call him to the microphone to tell about his victoryBut he doesn't get upset, he continues stirring and listening. Then he stops. And answers.
After cutting the line, having just beaten Thomas on one of the most prestigious and toughest finishes of this Giro d'Italia which today finally threw off its mask, Joao let out an almost animalistic scream.
«This victory means a lot – he explains and mixes – It was my first time ever, after being second many times. I'm very satisfied, it's a dream come true."
You attacked with 4,4 kilometers to go and were left alone with Kuss holding you back a few meters. Weren't you afraid of wasting your energy?
It was quite steep in that section, around 9-10 percent. As long as we were going 20-21 miles per hour, we were comfortable in the group. When it got steeper, I realized that there wasn't much saving on the wheel and that it was the same effort for everyone.So I tried to do my best. I tried to keep a steady pace, which is how I usually run. I think it's nothing new, but since I was feeling good, I tried to increase the speed.
Then came Thomas…
I turned around and saw Kuss and I was a little surprised when Thomas came like a fucking rocketI didn't expect it, but I tried to follow him. I suffered until the end and together we did a great job for gain ground on Roglic.
According to Baldato, this day will strengthen your self-confidence…
It was a crazy day that will stay with me forever. We experienced a stage with 5.000 meters of altitude differenceI've been close to winning so many times, so I think finally doing it was a step forward, for my career and for my confidence. Fabio is right. But I think I'm still the same rider as beforeThe victory simply proves that I'm doing things right and gives me an extra boost for the future.
You'd like to eat, we know. Didn't you think it was strange at the time that Roglic wasn't attacking?
This is my recovery meal, I'm actually quite hungry, but Don't tell your nutritionist you've seen ketchup around. (smiles and mixes, ed.) I felt good and I saw that in the end the others were waiting for me to do something, because I had put the team to work. I think it was a good sign that they didn't attack, because Maybe they were afraid of me or maybe they weren't in exceptional condition. I just tried to do my race and it went pretty well.
What differences do you see between this Giro and the 2022 one?
I think overall this year the level was higher in every raceBut we can't really compare the two Tours, because we had different conditions, different climbs, weather, whatever… It's also difficult to compare numbers, because there are so many factors that can influence them. But I can say that so far this Tour of Italy It was quite difficult, especially because of the weather. And I can also say that the numbers are quite good, so I'm happy..
The team did a great job, starting with Vine, Formolo and Ulissi…
Jai Vine he's been sick these first two weeks. Many got sick, he got sick and then I did too. So he had been a bit limited up until now. However, in the last few days he has recovered and today it returned to its normal levelHe did a great job, like everyone else. I don't need to name them individually, because they're all fantastic. Our Customers a team really strong.
Everyone was saying to wait for the third week and here it is: has another Giro begun?
A little, maybe yes. In the first two weeks there really wasn't any chance to make a difference. Due to the bad weather, today was the first day we had the opportunity to do something, and we seized it. The plan was to have someone on the run and we had Diego. When we caught him after all those kilometers, he pulled very hard and hurt my rivals. So it was all planned to perfection.
Do you think you can win the Giro?
Of course I believe it, but I know it won't be easyI'll do everything I can, I'll do my best, and in the end, whatever the outcome, I'll be happy.
Have you ever spoken to Pogacar these days?
We messaged each other a few days ago and he told me to attack and take the jerseyI told him I don't have his legs and to relax.
