Juan Ayuso explains early UAE exit: "Time to find environment that better aligns with who I am"

“Ayuso will now remain on the roster until the end of 2025 after a decision was made following differences in the vision of development plans and in the alignment with the team’s sporting philosophy,” the Emirates-based team wrote on its online channels.

Mauro Gianetti, CEO of UAE Team Emirates – XRG, explains: "Juan has been a valuable talent and we are grateful for what we have built together. At the same time, our sporting project has always been focused on continuity, group harmony, and building a winning team. We believe that, in the best interests of both parties, this decision is the most consistent with the values that define our organization.“

“I would like to thank the team for the support and opportunities they have given me over these years,” said Ayuso himself. “I have had the chance to grow and to compete alongside the very best, and I know that what I have learned will always remain part of my professional background. I now feel it is time for me to take a different path, with the same enthusiasm and I wish UAE Team Emirates – XRG success for the future.”

A little later, he posted a more detailed update on his social media channels. “I have spent many fantastic years here with the team, and I am leaving behind many friends and great professionals whom I will never forget. But on a personal level, I feel it is time to find an environment that better aligns with who I am and my values, a place where I can continue to develop with complete confidence and peace of mind.”

“I feel it is time for a new challenge and look forward to the future in an environment that shares my vision, but first, I will do my best for UAE Emirates-XRG in the races that await us this season,” said the Spaniard.

Ayuso joined the team in 2021 as a top talent and finished third in the Vuelta in 2022 at the age of 19. A year later, he finished fourth in the Spanish race, but then things went less well in the Grand Tours. Last year, he did not finish the Tour due to illness, and this year he was unable to finish the Giro due to a crash.

Meanwhile, rumors were circulating that he was considering a move to a new team, with teams such as Lidl-Trek, INEOS, Movistar, and XDS-Astana being mentioned. At the beginning of this year, Ayuso hired Giovanni Lombardi as his agent to facilitate a transfer.

Ayuso is currently riding for the team in the Vuelta a España, for which he was enlisted after Tadej Pogacar withdrew. The rider from Javea abandoned the GC, but did win a mountain stage. On Sunday, there was criticism from team leader Joao Almeida because Ayuso dropped out early.