Almeida clocks fast time in Suisse TT opener

Joao Almeida was fastest of the UAE Team Emirates contingent on the Prologue opener of the Tour de Suisse, taking 4th spot on the technical, flat 4.77 km course, held over a mixture of bike paths, rural lanes and city streets.

The Portuguese champion clocked an average speed of 55kmph to finish just 6” shy of stage winner and race leader Yves Lampaert (Soudal Quickstep).

Finn Fisher Black followed closely behind in 5th spot and now wears the white jersey as the best young rider.

Almeida : “I felt really good today and put in a good ride and am happy with the result. As a team in general we did well so we’re looking forward to a good week. This is a really key race in the build-up to the Tour de France so we’re really motivated to do well here.”

Results & GC

1.Yves Lampaert (Soudal Quickstep) 5:05

2.Stefan Bissengger (EF Education Easypost) +3”

3.Ethan Hayter (Ineos Grenadiers) s.t

4.Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) +6”

5.Finn Fisher Black (UAE Team Emirates) +7”