Ayuso aims to dominate in Vuelta finale, But says: "Jumbo-Visma is the strongest team I've ever seen in grand tours"'

Juan Ayuso and João Almeida are gearing up for a grueling Vuelta a España. The two riders share the role of team leaders for UAE Team Emirates and form an impressive duo. In 2022, they already finished in third (Ayuso) and fifth (Almeida) places in the general classification. So, how are they positioned as the Vuelta is about to kick off? IDLProCycling.com was present at the press conference.

Ayuso had an unusual season. He only rode his first competitive kilometers at the end of April in the Tour of Romandy, due to a persistent knee injury. As a result, the top talent has had very few racing days ahead of the Vuelta. "I would have liked to race more, but this could be an advantage now. Not in the first week, but maybe as we approach the third week."

Ayuso: "The third week is the toughest"

The young rider is mainly happy that he can even start at all. "I'm glad to be here. It's been a mentally challenging year, so I'm happy to be at 100% and able to race the event that made dreams come true last year. The plan for this year was to prepare at altitude for the Vuelta and not race too much, hopefully, that helps me now. I was on the podium last year, but this year's race will be tougher and we will need a different approach. We will do our best and try to win a stage. That would be nice, as we couldn't achieve that last year."

Ayuso also notes that the race dynamics have changed significantly since his breakthrough year. "The third week is now the toughest, whereas last year it was the first week. Looking at the teams we are competing against, Jumbo-Visma is the strongest team I have ever seen in grand tours, and then there's Soudal-Quick Step with Remco Evenepoel. Those teams will control the race; we don't have to."

Almeida: "I am ready for it"

Almeida turned 25 earlier this month but is considered the more experienced leader in the UAE camp. He is looking forward to the start of the tour. "We have prepared as well as possible for the team time trial; we couldn't have done it any better. Our team is pretty much the same as last year, so we understand each other well. We aim for a good result, although winning will be difficult. Staying close to the favorites would be nice. I trust my teammates to give their all on the road."

The Portuguese rider also had a better preparation than a year ago. "My preparation last year was not ideal, with many setbacks. This year was better. I'll have to wait and see how the first week goes. I've been able to grow and I am fully ready for this."