Ayuso says he and co-leader Yates have strong support at the Giro: "We have strong rivals in the GC, with Roglic in particular, but we are ready for the challenge"

The Emirates team will head to the start of the Giro in Albania with the 22-year-old Spaniard as their leader. Ayuso will line up in top form, having already won five races this season, including the Tirreno-Adriatico. However, he will share the role of leader with Adam Yates. UAE named both men as 'spearheads' of the selection.

For Ayuso, it will be his debut in the Giro d'Italia, which he eagerly looks forward to. "I’m really excited to start my first Giro d'Italia. It’s extra special because it’s a new race for me." The Spaniard has fond memories of racing in Italy. "Because I rode for an Italian team (Colpak) before I turned professional and winning the Baby Giro in 2021 I feel I have a special connection with Italy."

With victories in the Faun Drome Classic, Trofeo Laigueglia, a stage and the GC in Tirreno, and a stage in the Tour of Catalonia, Ayuso is clearly in top form. "It’s been a great start to the year, with some special victories both for me personally and for the team.” The goal is to keep that run and that spirit going for the Giro D’Italia. I think we have the strongest team in the race, and I feel that is our biggest strength. We have strong rivals in the GC, with Roglic in particular, but we are ready for the challenge."

Yates will, therefore, play a role as co-leader. The 32-year-old Englishman is 'only' competing in his second Giro, having already ridden the Tour of Italy in 2017. The ORICA-Scott rider eventually finished ninth in the GC. "The Giro is one of the biggest races on the calendar and I can’t wait to get stuck-in," said Yates, who is eagerly looking forward to the race. "I’ve had a solid preparation period with the team at altitude, and I feel ready to take on the challenge."

The experienced climber from Bury makes no secret of UAE's goals. "We’re coming in with big goals, and personally, I’m motivated to race hard and go for a good result. Between myself and Juan I think we should be able to have a good crack on the GC and try to defend the title, and I’m looking forward to getting started in what I hope will be a very competitive three weeks."

Leaders Ayuso and Yates will have strong support. UAE has also included former Giro stage winner Brandon McNulty, the experienced Rafal Majka, and the in-form Jay Vine in the selection. Based on the announcement, it can be expected that UAE will not necessarily aim for a good GC result with young Isaac Del Toro, as the Mexican appears to be traveling to the Giro as a domestique. Igor Arrieta and Filippo Baroncini complete the UAE selection.

Juan Ayuso