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<\/p>\nJuan Ayuso is set to leave UAE Team Emirates after both parties mutually agreed to terminate the Spanish climber\u2019s contract at the end of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old\u2019s deal was originally set to expire in 2028, but with neither rider nor team in agreement over Ayuso\u2019s short and mid-term racing plans, it was decided, according to a UAE statement, that a separation was best \u201cin the alignment of the team\u2019s sporting philosophy\u201d.<\/p>\n
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\u2019Italia runner-up Isaac del Toro, and Portuguese all-rounder Joao Almeida.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
(Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Almeida, leading the team after Ayuso\u2019s 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\u2019s first rest day.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s at last year\u2019s Tour was also overshadowed by a public argument with Almeida.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to thank the team for the support and opportunities they have given me over these years,\u201d Ayuso said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI now feel it is time for me to take a different path, with the same enthusiasm and I wish UAE Team Emirates\u2013XRG success for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJuan has been a valuable talent and we are grateful for what we have built together,\u201d added UAE boss Mauro Gianetti.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cUAE Team Emirates\u2013XRG will continue on its path of growth and development, confident that the team\u2019s identity and strength remain our foundation. We wish Juan every success in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
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