emirates7 - UAE Team Emirates-XRG celebrated a remarkable weekend with an impressive double win as João Almeida secured the overall title at the Tour de Suisse, while Filippo Baroncini claimed his first General Classification victory at the Baloise Belgium Tour.
These victories also marked a significant achievement for the team—their 50th win of the 2025 season.
João Almeida delivered a masterful performance in the final Stage 8 uphill time trial, overcoming a 33-second deficit to overtake Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa–B&B Hotels) and win the Tour de Suisse overall.
His success in the 10.1 km mountain time trial highlighted his consistency and tactical skill throughout the week, having recovered time after losing over three minutes on a rainy Stage 1. Almeida went on to win three stages and also took home the black points jersey.
Reflecting on his victory, Almeida said, “You should never give up. Sometimes things don’t go as planned and nothing is perfect, but you have to keep pushing. We kept fighting and succeeded. I’ll take time to enjoy this win, and then I’ll prepare for the Tour de France.”
Meanwhile, Filippo Baroncini capped off a breakthrough performance at the Baloise Belgium Tour by defending his overall lead on the final flat stage in Brussels to secure his first-ever stage race General Classification win.
The Italian took the violet leader’s jersey after Stage 4 in Durbuy and, supported fully by the UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad, fended off all rivals to clinch the overall victory by a narrow but decisive margin.
These victories also marked a significant achievement for the team—their 50th win of the 2025 season.
João Almeida delivered a masterful performance in the final Stage 8 uphill time trial, overcoming a 33-second deficit to overtake Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa–B&B Hotels) and win the Tour de Suisse overall.
His success in the 10.1 km mountain time trial highlighted his consistency and tactical skill throughout the week, having recovered time after losing over three minutes on a rainy Stage 1. Almeida went on to win three stages and also took home the black points jersey.
Reflecting on his victory, Almeida said, “You should never give up. Sometimes things don’t go as planned and nothing is perfect, but you have to keep pushing. We kept fighting and succeeded. I’ll take time to enjoy this win, and then I’ll prepare for the Tour de France.”
Meanwhile, Filippo Baroncini capped off a breakthrough performance at the Baloise Belgium Tour by defending his overall lead on the final flat stage in Brussels to secure his first-ever stage race General Classification win.
The Italian took the violet leader’s jersey after Stage 4 in Durbuy and, supported fully by the UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad, fended off all rivals to clinch the overall victory by a narrow but decisive margin.