Portuguese rider João Almeida was a no-show at the start line of Tuesday’s individual time trial at the 2025 European Championships in France, despite having been slated to return to racing after a brief break following his runner-up finish at the Vuelta a Espana.
Almeida had been scheduled to roll down the ramp at 15:05 for the 24-kilometre effort, but failed to appear, with no official explanation provided as of yet. His absence came as a surprise, particularly after expressing cautious optimism in the lead-up to the race.
In a pre-race interview with his home language media outlet A BOLA, the 27-year-old acknowledged he wasn’t expecting a standout performance, citing the nature of the course and his current condition. “I don’t expect good feelings, but I hope I’m wrong,” Almeida admitted. “The competition is very high, all the best European time trial specialists will be competing. And having seen the course today, I don’t think it favours me.”
Tuesday’s course profile featured a largely flat layout with a rolling character — conditions Almeida conceded weren’t suited to his strengths. “Honestly, it’s a lot less tough than I thought it would be. There’s also going to be a lot of wind, which doesn’t suit me either, as I’m lighter than the specialists.”
The route concluded with a 2-kilometre drag to the finish — an uphill stretch that might have favoured Almeida in better shape — but even that, he believed, wouldn’t be decisive. “I thought this climb would be tougher, but in reality it’s just a little top. It will take its toll on everyone and make slight differences. However, the previous kilometres will decide.”
Following a few weeks away from competition, Almeida had framed the time trial as an opportunity to sharpen his form ahead of Sunday’s road race, where he remains part of Portugal’s line-up. “I hope my engine opens up to the maximum tomorrow and from then on I’ll find myself with new sensations. We’ll have a few days to train a bit too.”
With Almeida’s withdrawal, veteran Nelson Oliveira (Movistar) was left as the sole representative of the Portuguese national team in the time trial discipline. As fans await word on what prompted the sudden DNS (Did Not Start), attention now shifts to the weekend, where Almeida is still expected to feature in the road race — an event likely to play more to his abilities and ambitions.