GENEVA, 20th June 2025 (WAM) — João Almeida showcased another impressive ride at the Tour de Suisse, attacking to secure second place on stage 5 and climb to third in the overall standings.
Oscar Onley (Picnic-PostNL) narrowly edged out Almeida, representing UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Almeida’s gains in the general classification were aided by the strong teamwork of his squad.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG team set a blistering pace on the Passo del San Bernardino, significantly reducing the size of the peloton and preventing a breakaway from succeeding. The challenging Castaneda climb, tackled twice, presented Almeida with an opportunity to make a decisive move.
Despite Almeida’s efforts, Onley overtook him in the final meters, denying UAE Team Emirates-XRG a consecutive stage win. Almeida’s determined finish, however, was enough to secure him third place in the overall general classification.
Meanwhile, at the Baloise Belgium Tour, Sebastián Molano earned his second consecutive second-place finish, propelling the Colombian sprinter into the overall lead. Molano’s consistent performance in Belgium allowed him to claim the purple leader’s jersey from Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step), though Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Deceuninck took the stage victory.
A six-man breakaway had established an early lead, but the combined strength of Soudal Quick-Step and Alpecin-Deceuninck brought the race back together for a final lap showdown to determine the stage winner.
