ANALYSIS: Can Juan Ayuso's UAE exit unlock a Pogacar-and-Vingegaard-level rider in 2026?

As the 2026 season approaches, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most compelling years modern cycling has seen. Among the storylines generating real intrigue, few stand out more than Juan Ayuso’s change of colours. After more than a year of tension at UAE, the highly rated Spanish rider has moved to Lidl-Trek — a shift that has sent a jolt through the WorldTour.

The transfer marks the first time Ayuso will take on the role of undisputed leader at a major team. Lidl-Trek expect him to spearhead their ambitions in the sport’s biggest races, a development that naturally places him in the sights of Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard.

Until now, Ayuso has posed no direct threat to either rider. He shared a team with Pogacar at UAE Team Emirates – XRG, and as long as he lacked full leadership status, he never had the opening to challenge Vingegaard, either. Circumstances simply kept him out of contention for a true head-to-head with cycling’s two dominant Grand Tour forces.

That changes in 2026. Following his signing, Lidl-Trek confirmed plans for Ayuso to line up at the Tour de France as a co-leader alongside Mattias Skjelmose — an entirely new dynamic in the hierarchy of GC contenders.

For years, Lidl-Trek were not perceived as major general classification players at the Tour or across the WorldTour stage-race calendar. Their successes came elsewhere, most notably in the points classifications. The 2025 season showcased that strength unmistakably: Mads Pedersen dominated both the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana, while Jonathan Milan claimed the green jersey at the Tour de France.

If that operational reliability transfers into GC performance — and with Ayuso positioned as a central figure — it would be risky for Pogacar’s UAE squad or Vingegaard’s Visma team to overlook either the American-registered outfit or their new Spanish leader.

Beyond the significance of joining Lidl-Trek, the central point remains that Juan Ayuso is progressing steadily — and has only just turned 23. Despite some uneven form at points in 2025, he still pieced together a season marked by consistently high-level results:

• Overall victory at Tirreno-Adriatico, plus a stage win

• Two stage wins at the Vuelta a Espana

• A stage win at the Giro d’Italia

• A stage win and second overall at the Volta a Catalunya

• Wins at the Faun Drome Classic and Trofeo Laigueglia

• Eighth at the World Championships in Kigali

• Sixth at the European Championships

These results add to an already notable palmares that includes overall victory at the 2024 Itzulia, two stage wins at the 2023 Tour de Suisse, and a breakthrough third place at the 2022 Vuelta a Espana — his first Grand Tour podium and an early indication of long-term GC potential.