Juan Ayuso is set to leave UAE Team Emirates after both parties mutually agreed to terminate the Spanish climber’s contract at the end of the 2025 season.
The 22-year-old’s deal was originally set to expire in 2028, but with neither rider nor team in agreement over Ayuso’s short and mid-term racing plans, it was decided, according to a UAE statement, that a separation was best “in the alignment of the team’s sporting philosophy”.
It is understood that Ayuso had been keen to explore opportunities at other teams, while UAE boast better performing general classification riders in the shape of four-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar, 21-year-old Giro d’Italia runner-up Isaac del Toro, and Portuguese all-rounder Joao Almeida.
Ayuso won stage seven of the ongoing Vuelta a Espana on Friday, but lost major time on both stage six and stage nine, in a race where he had been expected to contend for the overall victory.
(Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
Almeida, leading the team after Ayuso’s earlier time losses, was visibly frustrated at the lack of support he received on Sunday, where his younger teammate appeared to coast to the line to protect his own stage ambitions rather than attempt to pace him up the final climb. The contract termination was announced one day later, on the Vuelta’s first rest day.
Ayuso also disappointed at the Giro earlier this season, where he withdrew on stage 18 following numerous crashes, hefty time losses, and even a severe reaction to a bee sting. His support of Pogacar’s at last year’s Tour was also overshadowed by a public argument with Almeida.
With Ayuso once rated as the most promising climbing talent in the sport after becoming the youngest Grand Tour podium finisher in over a century at the 2022 Vuelta, the contract termination marks a major recalibration in his career. In the paddock, Lidl-Trek are widely considered the favourites to sign him.
“I would like to thank the team for the support and opportunities they have given me over these years,” Ayuso said in a statement.
“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.”
“Juan has been a valuable talent and we are grateful for what we have built together,” added UAE boss Mauro Gianetti.
“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 organisation.
“UAE Team Emirates–XRG will continue on its path of growth and development, confident that the team’s identity and strength remain our foundation. We wish Juan every success in the future.”
(Top photo: JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)