Juan Ayuso is leaving UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Photo courtesy of SWpix.
We still have to wait for the official confirmation from Lidl-Trek and Juan Ayuso, but sources have informed us that the Spanish rider is on his way to the American team for 2026.
According to our exclusive information, Ayuso will pen a five-year contract that will take him up to the end of 2030.
Follow me on: Twitter — Instagram — Bluesky
Earlier today, Italian cycling journalist Ciro Scognamiglio tweeted that this was a ‘done deal’ and links between Ayuso and Lidl-Trek have been swirling for weeks.
The situation intensified after the rider’s current team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, confirmed that the rider would be allowed to leave for another squad and effectively break his contract.
Ayuso’s relationship with UAE Team Emirates-XRG had been on the rocks since the 2024 Tour de France, and despite having a shot at leadership at the Giro d’Italia earlier this year, the constant strain became too much for all parties concerned.
On September 1, during the Vuelta a España, in which Ayuso made several negative comments regarding his position and standing within the team, it was finally announced that the rider could leave, despite having a long-term deal in place and a reported € 100 million release clause.
“I would like to thank the team for the support and opportunities they have given me over these years. 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,” Ayuso said when the news of his contract release was announced mid-race.
This is a breaking news story, so a more in-depth version will be posted on the website as soon as possible.
I have established a WhatsApp Community Group for Substack founding members. I post interview recordings and transfer news almost daily.
To sign up, subscribe or upgrade to Founding Member status. Once you’ve signed up, I’ll ask for your mobile number and add you to the group. This group is not for mainstream cycling press or full-time staff on cycling teams.
You can modify your subscription by going to your profile settings. If you’re starting from scratch, click below.