New setback for Lidl-Trek and Juan Ayuso: Spaniard to skip Ardennes Classics due to infection

Following a disappointing Tour of the Basque Country for Juan Ayuso, the Spaniard has faced another setback. The Lidl-Trek leader must completely skip the Ardennes Classics due to a viral infection, the team reported on X. He was originally scheduled to start in La Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

It is currently unknown when Ayuso will return to racing. However, the Tour Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes, formerly known as the Critérium du Dauphiné, is on his programme, after which he should be one of the outside favourites for the Tour. In the meantime, Skjelmose and Giulio Ciccone will lead the charge for Lidl-Trek.

The Dane will defend his title in the Amstel Gold Race on Sunday, while Ciccone will join the German team's selection starting from La Flèche Wallonne. The Italian finished second in Liège-Bastogne-Liège last year, while Skjelmose was second in La Flèche Wallonne in 2023. Even without leader Ayuso, Lidl-Trek still has plenty of top riders to choose from.

While Lidl-Trek would rather have the services of Ayuso to call on, they can think themselves lucky they're not in the same position as UAE Emirates-XGR. The Emirati squad have a total of 14 riders either out injured or dealing with issues. They have lost 3 of their 4 leaders for the Ardennes Classics, with possible race winners like Isaac de Toro and Jhonatan Narváez still out of commission.

Tim Wellens returning to racing this weekend ahead of Brabantse Pijl and the Amstel Gold Race provides a small ray of sunshine for Pogačar's team. But who will provide support for the World Champion at Liège-Bastogne-Liège is a question yet to be answered by the team.