Joao Almeida: I can't wait for my first Tour de France - it's the pinnacle of cycling

Looking back at last season, I think I got off to a great start. Competing with the world’s best at Grand Tour level is what we train so intensely for and seeing that hard work pay off with a second-place finish at Tirreno-Adriatico was extremely satisfying. Moments like that fuel my passion and drive. The result filled me with determination and a real hunger to keep pushing harder.

Tirreno-Adriatico set me up really well for the Giro d’Italia where I felt incredible, especially on Stage 16. I had great sensations and knew I had to give it everything. When I attacked, I decided to push hard and went full gas to the line. It was pure adrenalin.

Crossing the line and beating a legend like Geraint Thomas to take my first Grand Tour stage win was one of the sweetest moments of my career so far. A Grand Tour stage win is a big deal in cycling, and to get that first one under my belt felt absolutely amazing.

Finishing on the podium, as well as winning the Youth Classification was further confirmation of all the hard work put in by myself and the team over those three weeks.

The feeling crossing the finish line – given the high level of competition we went up against – was amazing. The Giro is, and always will be, a special race for me. Although I missed it this year, I’m more excited than ever to be working towards the Tour de France.

To make my debut in the biggest race in the world is massive. We’re currently preparing at altitude, then I’ll race in the Tour de Suisse which will be my main preparation. The team is super strong, and of course we are confident. Tadej [Pogacar] is in great form, and the team is coming off a great Giro d’Italia performance.

We know the Giro-Tour double is a huge challenge, and there will be