Joao Almeida earns UAE Team Emirates second successive stage victory at Giro d'Italia

Joao Almeida earned UAE Team Emirates a second successive stage victory at the Giro d'Italia on Tuesday and moved up to second place in the overall standings.

The Portuguese rider launched his attack with around five kilometres remaining and beat Geraint Thomas in a two-man sprint finish to earn his first Giro stage win.

The latest victory comes on the back of Irish teammate Brandon McNulty's success in Sunday's Stage 15.

Ineos Grenadiers rider Thomas, who lost the overall lead to Bruno Armirail on Saturday, now takes over again at the top, enjoying an 18-second advantage over Almeida, who moved up to second.

Primoz Roglic of Jumbo-Visma crossed the line 25 seconds later for third place, slipping 29 seconds behind Thomas in the overall standings.

“I'm super-happy, it's a dream come true, after four years [at the Giro] I was always so far and so close at the same time,” said 24-year-old Almeida afterwards. “Finally I got it so yeah I'm super, super happy.

The last km of Monte Bondone is a showdown between two champions