João Almeida closer to the Vuelta leader

João Almeida took another step forward in the fight for the red jersey of the Vuelta a España this Thursday.

The Portuguese cyclist once again demonstrated excellent form in the race in the neighboring country, closing the gap on overall leader Jonas Vingegaard after Thursday's time trial. The UAE Team Emirates rider finished stage 18 in third place, just eight seconds behind the winner, Italian Filippo Ganna.

The stage, initially longer, was shortened to just 12.2 kilometers due to logistical and safety concerns, but it was nonetheless decisive. João Almeida completed the course in a solid time, beating several of his main rivals. Jonas Vingegaard, the current red jersey holder, lost ten seconds to the Portuguese rider and now sees his advantage reduced to 40 seconds.

Also in the spotlight was Ivo Oliveira, Almeida's teammate, who posted the fifth-fastest time of the stage, 11 seconds behind Ganna.

The battle for the podium remains fierce, with Almeida establishing himself as one of the main contenders for the final victory. The Vuelta continues tomorrow with stage 19, a stage between Rueda and Guijuelo, which could be ripe for tactical changes before the decisive weekend.

Portugal remains vigilant and has a legitimate hope of seeing João Almeida make history in world cycling.