‘Gone the wrong way!’ – Joao Almeida loses time after huge gaffe in La Vuelta a Espana time trial

Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) went the wrong way in an embarrassing moment on the Stage 10 individual time trial at La Vuelta. Almeida was charging towards the finish in Alicante when he suddenly dived down an escape road to his left reserved for the team vehicles. Ad “He’s gone the wrong way!” cried Carlton Kirby on Eurosport commentary.

“That is such a shame.” Vuelta a EspañaLa Vuelta: How to watch Stage 10 as pivotal time trial day beckonsYESTERDAY AT 12:11 Although he quickly realised his error, it cost him a chunk of time as he awkwardly turned around and headed back to the correct course. Almeida recovered to finish 15th. “Easily a 20-second loss.

Almeida has made the fatal mistake of not knowing the run in to the finish and knowing exactly where he’s going,” added Robbie McEwen. The Portuguese star began the day seventh in the general classification, 4’32” adrift of Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl). Although his gaffe did not cost him his place in the overall standings, he is now 6’45” behind the brilliant Belgian, who demolished the field to take victory in the red jersey.

Almeida was expected to be UAE’s star rider at the Vuelta, but he has been overshadowed by youngster Juan Ayuso and breakaway artist Marc Soler, who took a magnificent win on Stage 5. 'Totally crazy' — Kelly blasts Trek-Segafredo for communication mishap Bennett fails to start TT, seven others out as Covid rips through peloton — — - Stream La Vuelta live and on-demand on discovery+. You can also watch all the action live on eurosport.co.uk.