ANALYSIS: Juan Ayuso struggles in San Sebastian — A cause for concern before La Vuelta?

Under normal circumstances, Juan Ayuso would have been among the top favourites for victory at the Clasica San Sebastian. On paper, the 22-year-old Spaniard was one of the most talented riders in a strong field. But instead, he rolled across the finish line in 39th place, 4 minutes and 17 seconds behind the winner, Giulio Ciccone — joined by another underperforming Italian, Antonio Tiberi, also considered a pre-race contender.

Ayuso’s problems began with a puncture around 80 kilometres from the finish, just before the start of the Alto de Jaizkibel — the first of three major climbs in the second half of the race. Although he managed to rejoin the peloton of favourites, he was one of the first to crack on the brutal slopes of the Erlaitz climb, the day’s toughest ascent. From there, he never recovered and was unable to contribute even as a domestique to teammates Isaac del Toro and Jan Christen, who were in the mix for the win. Ultimately, the UAE Team Emirates XRG duo were caught by Ciccone, with Christen salvaging second and del Toro finishing fifth.

Ayuso’s rise was rapid. In 2021, he began registering strong results, and by 2022 — aged just 19 — he had exploded onto the WorldTour scene with top-five finishes at the Volta a Catalunya and the Tour de Romandie, before placing third overall in his debut Grand Tour at the Vuelta a España. Spanish cycling fans were electrified — it looked like the country had finally found its next Grand Tour champion.

But since then, Ayuso’s trajectory has plateaued. He finished fourth in last year’s Vuelta, then withdrew from the 2024 Tour de France, where he was expected to be a key climbing lieutenant for Tadej Pogačar. Instead, his Tour ended in disappointment and behind-the-scenes tension with the team. This year’s Giro d’Italia offered a fresh opportunity — he lined up as a top favourite alongside Primoz Roglic — but again failed to finish after a crash-riddled campaign.

Yes, he’s picked up victories in one-week stage races and punchy classics in the meantime. But for a rider tipped as Spain’s next Grand Tour star, the results feel like underachievement.

That’s why his showing at the Clásica is worrying — and why his upcoming participation in La Vuelta is under the spotlight. Ayuso wasn’t originally meant to ride. That slot was reserved for Pogačar, who, after winning a fourth Tour de France, opted to rest and refocus on the Worlds, the Canadian classics, and the Italian autumn calendar — culminating in Il Lombardia, where he'll chase a record-extending fifth consecutive title.

In Pogačar’s absence, leadership at UAE for La Vuelta now falls to João Almeida and Ayuso. The Spaniard had a strong start to the season, taking wins at the Faun Drôme Classic, Trofeo Laigueglia and Tirreno–Adriatico, and finishing second at the Volta a Catalunya — just behind Roglič, who seized victory on the final day. He arrived at the Giro in fine form, but a series of crashes took their toll and forced him to abandon.

Now, after a dismal performance in San Sebastián, Ayuso is under pressure to bounce back. This Sunday’s Circuito de Getxo offers a much-needed opportunity for redemption. The field will be slightly less stacked than at the Clásica, and if Ayuso is serious about arriving at La Vuelta with momentum and confidence, he needs a strong result. Whether he rides for himself or supports a teammate like Isaac del Toro, anything less than a podium would be a disappointment.