<\/p>\n
\u201cI really tried to give my best because the team did amazing,\u201d he said. \u201cWe controlled all day and the work of the guys today was impressive. It was a really hard start, and Julian got dropped, Lenny got dropped, and they all really fought to come back and work for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ayuso praises Lidl – Trek after final-stage push<\/p>\n
Lidl – Trek took responsibility through much of the middle phase of the stage, keeping the early break within reach before UAE took over at the foot of Plateau de Solaison. Ayuso said the collective effort stayed with him even after missing out on the stage win. \u201cI\u2019m super proud of how the team rode,\u201d he said. \u201cI think we were the strongest team. We controlled everything with no help from anybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also highlighted the work of team-mates who were forced deep into the mountains before Ayuso made his own move. \u201cJust to see also Toms and Quinn passing these mountains, which are super tough, and I was already suffering, and these guys were pulling, was really impressive,\u201d he said. \u201cThey deserved a win. Quinn got a stage win and I think finishing on the podium here, we can more or less be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ayuso had arrived at the race after a build-up he described as more difficult than hoped, but said he felt better as the week went on. \u201cThe road here was not super easy,\u201d he said. \u201cThe preparation was a bit more difficult than what I would have hoped for, so finishing on the podium and feeling like every day I improved, every day I was getting better, I\u2019m happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIsaac was on another level\u201d<\/p>\n
Del Toro\u2019s final climb attack decided both the stage and the overall title. Ayuso had tried a similar long-range move on the Grand Colombier the previous day, but this time he was the rider forced into the chase.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen he went so far away, I was hoping what happened yesterday would happen, but just the other way around,\u201d Ayuso said. \u201cHe was on another level today and we have to accept it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mattias Skjelmose then worked for Ayuso in the chase group, helping set up the Spaniard\u2019s move inside the final 5km. \u201cSkelly rode an amazing pull for me and I really tried to use all the force of the team to my advantage,\u201d Ayuso said. \u201cSkelly again did a great job, sacrificing himself for me, and then I went. But then Isaac was on another level. This is sport and it is how it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked for his wider read on Del Toro, Paul Seixas and the Tour de France picture, Ayuso refused to dwell on rival form. \u201cTo be honest, I don\u2019t really care,\u201d he said. \u201cI just focus on myself, focus with my team-mates to get the best preparation possible.\u201d<\/p>\n