Juan Ayuso parts ways with Pogacar and UAE Emirates–XRG, signs mega deal with another major team

Ayuso en UAE Team Emirates - XRG had been in disagreement for some time. Friction arose in the 2024 Tour de France when João Almeida and Ayuso had an altercation after the Spaniard was accused of not doing enough work. He was subsequently not selected for the Vuelta a España, even though Pogacar was not riding there either. Of course, the Slovenian naturally blocks many of the ambitions of others at UAE.

After his unsuccessful Giro d'Italia in 2025, he was once again not scheduled to start in the Vuelta, but was added to the selection at the last minute. That's when the dispute reached a boiling point. Despite Ayuso winning two stages, UAE issued a press release during the race stating that the Spaniard would be leaving after 2025. Ayuso was displeased, to say the least, about the timing.

There were already rumors that Lidl-Trek was the most likely team to sign the young Spanish climber, but now the American team has confirmed it: Ayuso has signed a contract for no less than five years. “I’m really excited,” he says on the website of his new team. “Joining Lidl-Trek is the start of an important new chapter in my career."

"I’m motivated to keep growing as a rider. Change always brings new energy and ambitions, so I can’t wait to get started,” he added. Lidl-Trek has long been known as one of the best teams in the world, with riders such as Mads Pedersen, Giulio Ciccone, and Mattias Skjelmose. However, it still lacked a true super leader for the Grand Tours.

With Ayuso, they seem to have found their perfect candidate. He has already finished third in the Vuelta and has won races such as the Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour of the Basque Country. "From the outside you can see the Team has built a strong identity, with a lot of unity and ambition. The long-term project they’re putting together is something quite unique and special."

That long-term project is also the reason why the number 3 in the 2022 Vuelta has signed a contract until 2030. "It feels like a place where I can take the next step in my development, surrounded by riders and staff who share the same goals. I want to keep improving in the biggest races; the Team has the ambition to become the best team in the world, so I’m really looking forward to contributing to that success."

General manager Luca Guercilena is very happy with his new leader. “Juan is one of the brightest young talents in cycling,” said the Italian. “He is already one of the best climbers and time trialists in the world, which makes for a very exciting package. At only 23 years old, he still has room to grow, and we are committed to giving him all the support he needs to reach his full potential.”

In the classics, Lidl-Trek was already one of the teams to beat with names such as Pederen, Jasper Stuyven, Thibau Nys, Jonathan Milan, and Toms Skujins. Guercilena hopes that the team can achieve the same status in the Grand Tours. "Bringing Juan on board is an important step in our long-term vision, and we are excited to see what we can achieve together in the years ahead.”