Alejandro Valverde confirms that Movistar Team is still interested in Juan Ayuso... and the reason to avoid signing him

At the Giro d'Italia 2025, Juan Ayuso is confirming what everyone already knows: he's a winner. The Spaniard is leading UAE in the fight for the maglia rosa against Primoz Roglic. After 8 stages, he has a victory in the only day with a summit finish, and is only 3 seconds behind the Slovenian, who rode a great time trial on the second day of the race.

This has only increased Movistar Team's interest in signing Ayuso in the future. The Spanish team already tried last year, when the whole controversy between the rider and his UAE Team Emirates XRG occurred after the Tour de France. Now, Alejandro Valverde admits that this dream has not yet dissipated.

Speaking to Bicisport, due to his participation this Sunday in the Gran Fondo Nove Colli in Cesenatico, the current Spanish coach and ambassador of Movistar himself, Valverde tells the following:

"There is interest from Spain and Movistar Team, although the necessary money is lacking. UAE is the strongest team financially and it's complicated. But I have always been with Eusebio Unzué having good offers. I've stayed here and I've been happy. My results were better than if I changed teams," Alejandro Valverde was candid.

Finally, on this subject Valverde comments on what has been said since the altercation between Ayuso and UAE in the last Tour de France. In the end, the Spaniard wants to win, not to be anybody's domestique. And unfortunately for him, with Tadej Pogacar (and even Joao Almeida) on the squad, his opportunities are going to remain limited.

"It's true that, where Pogacar is, to be team leader... Yes I would like to see Ayuso in a Spanish team like Movistar Team. Hopefully he will be in the future. I wish him the best wherever he is. May he enjoy cycling. He has the legs to win," Valverde said.