Tour de France Tadej Pogacar Nada Sunday has suffered a blow on Sunday while the Slovenian key Domain Joao Almeida withdrew after collision on Friday.

Almeida26, which ended the fourth in the general classification last year, abandoned after 89 km from the phase nine, two days after the ribs of the rib in a spectacular high-speed collision.

The Portuguese rider entered the race in great form, winning the tour of the Earth, tour of the Basquet Earth and the Tour of Romandie earlier this year.

“We’re really sad that we lost Joao (Almeida) today”, ” Pogacar told reporters on Sunday. “I think that was too much. I was going on a bike today … I can’t imagine him with all the pain, it must be really painful.”

“It’s a really big loss. Joao was in great great shape.”

The triple champion of the Tour of the Pogar marked the withdrawal of his teammate a day before the race enters the massive central with 4,450 meters of climbing Peloton on Monday.

“It was a luxury that would have him in GC (general classification), he could also do a great score for himself here in the tour,” said Pogačar.

“Sure, he would be a big help on the mountains. Now we have to reconsider a little. We’ll try to win this tour for Joao.”

World Champion Pogačar can still count on the support of some good climbers, including Adam Yateswhich third total claimed in 2023. years, Marc Soler and Pavel Sivakov.