Juan Ayuso not immediately thinking about going all-in after Giro d’Italia stage win
CyclingSaturday, 17 May 2025 at 17:17
“The first blow is half the battle,” as they say in the Netherlands. That must be how it felt for Juan Ayuso after the first mountain stage of the Giro d’Italia. Representing UAE Emirates-XRG, Ayuso took the stage win and closed the gap significantly to pink jersey holder and main rival Primoz Roglic (Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe).
It marked Ayuso’s first-ever victory in a grand tour. “This is a big step for me. It’s my fourth grand tour, and in the two Vueltas I raced, I came close. But now I’ve finally done it, in my first Giro d’Italia. That’s very special and something I’ll never forget.”
The Spaniard managed the finale well and knew exactly how to handle it, with his Mexican teammate Isaac Del Toro completing the celebration by finishing second. “I knew I only had one attack in me. In a finish as explosive as this, you can’t play around and try two or three times, you’ve only got one bullet to fire. I let the others go first, and then I went full gas to the line.”
Read more below the video!
Ayuso not immediately focused on pushing ahead on Saturday and Sunday
Ayuso is now just four seconds behind Roglic, who took over the pink jersey from Mads Pedersen. “This is an important step, not just the win, but especially the good feeling after the time I lost in the time trial. That gives me a lot of confidence for the upcoming stages.”
The white jersey wearer clearly knows the route well. “We want to get through Saturday’s stage, and then comes the stage to Siena, which is going to be a very important one for all the GC contenders. I hope to reach the rest day in a good position in the overall standings.”
Ayuso admits he’s not a gravel specialist. “It’s going to be one of the most nerve-wracking stages of this Giro. Besides good legs and a strong team, you also need luck—because a flat tire can ruin your entire Giro. One bad moment and all the work from months can disappear, so I just hope we have some luck and get through the day safely.”
At his press conference as stage winner, Ayuso took the spotlight. “This isn’t just any victory, it’s one I’ll always remember. I still clearly remember my first pro win, and this one will be the same,” said the Spaniard, who couldn’t yet give a clear answer to the question of who the main favorite for the Giro is. “We’re racing to win, but the weight of the race still rests on Roglic.”
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Latest Comments
- No comment but here's my comment!Veganpotter09-05-2025
- No comment but here's my comment!Veganpotter09-05-2025
- Jos van Emden is right to speak out. The UCI’s lack of transparency and inconsistent decision-making have eroded trust among teams, riders, and fans alike. When even experienced professionals like Van Emden lose faith, it’s a clear signal that the system needs serious reform. Integrity and fairness should be at the core of any governing body, something the UCI needs to be reminded of.ahmed06-05-2025
- Why continue to give this bully and liar a platform. Both he and Bruyneel should be persona non grata in the cycling world.Aodh25-04-2025
- Such negative comments that are truly inappropriate and actually ridiculous. He sounds like an old man, bitter that he can't race anymore. Why can't he just be gracious? Or just shut up. Instead of howling for attention, in such a rude manner. Must be Dementia creeping in. We are all living in the Now. Records are there, and some are being broken, some are unapproachable. If he doesn't like it, and it makes him sick, maybe he ought start watching some other sport. Don't want the old mans health to be upset.
reemmo031-03-2025 - Roger De Vlaeminck inspires me to create a new beer: "Bitter Old Twat Belgian".JackInhof31-03-2025
- Shoot, I'll ride it for 1/10 of what his pay for that day is😅Veganpotter30-03-2025
- What is this? The Lance Armstrong daily cheaters channel? I could care less about Johan and Lance the seven times cheater. Greg Lemond was right all along, Why don't you write about that instead of these two knuckleheads.velodrone28-03-2025
- Are we all doomed to hear from Lance Armstrong and Johan bruneel until the end of time? It's not enough the stain they left on cycling? Do we have to see that shadow forever?bigyakman26-03-2025
- I am not sure if it is the hardest to win. In Flanders and Roubaix well before the finish the Peleton will be decimated and the race will normally be won by the best rider of the day or maybe 2nd or 3rd in case of a mechanical or unlucky break especially in case of Roubaix. In San Remo just before the finish there will still be several riders in contention and they are hard to ditch. For the best riders it is a race hard to win since it is not so selective. But if you are not a top 5 rider but still a top 10 rider this race is your best change to win. You will see more Milan San remo Winners with only 1 monument win than any other monumentsJoostmehrtens19-03-2025