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On the day that Rúben Guerreiro won the ninth stage of the Tour of Italy, João Almeida, who kept the pink jersey, was “proud” of the compatriot’s triumph.
João Almeida was “super proud” with his friend Rubén, considering that he “deserves” the victory in the ninth stage of the Giro, and admits celebration among the Portuguese, but only at the end of the great competition.
“If I have to celebrate it will be later. We have to be focused, rest, because we have a long way to go until the final goal, with or without the pink shirt,” he explained.
He assumed that it was “very special” to maintain the command gained in the third stage and acknowledges that he “expected the worst” before today’s draw, with a demanding mountain and a first-rate finish.
“I suffered a lot, but I did it. I fought for my teammates, they have done a very good job. If I have this shirt I owe it to them. I am very grateful,” he said.
João Almeida lost some time against the main rivals, now with 30 seconds of advantage for the Dutch Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb) and 39 for the Spanish Pello Bilbao (Bahrain-McLaren), cyclists who changed positions in general.
The Deceuninck-Quick Step rider also said that he listens to Portuguese music every day and is a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo: “I don’t know if you know me or Rubén, but I hope you are proud.”
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