Another DNF, same questions: Juan Ayuso’s stage race struggles continue after Itzulia Basque Country

Stage 4 of Itzulia Basque Country 2026 was marked by the withdrawal of Juan Ayuso, who had started the race with ambitions of challenging for the general classification.

The Spanish rider was forced to abandon after being unable to continue due to stomach problems. Early race radio reports had suggested a possible crash involving Sergio Higuita, who also later withdrew, but Ayuso’s exit was ultimately attributed to illness.

“The second stage was a really tough day, and again I didn’t feel very good. Yesterday I had quite a serious stomach issue. It’s been a pretty difficult few days that I’ve been going through,” Ayuso explained. He added: “Yesterday I made a final effort from the finish to the bus to try to go to the toilet… that’s how it goes, there are days like that, and you just have to get through them.”

His team confirmed that a severe physical issue had been affecting his performance throughout the week. The Spaniard had already been managing a delicate condition following his recent abandonment at Paris-Nice, as well as other setbacks during training. Those difficulties ultimately proved too much to overcome during Stage 4, bringing an early end to his race.

The latest setback continues a pattern that has raised questions about Ayuso’s consistency in stage races, particularly when his general classification ambitions are disrupted.

Once viewed as a rider capable of challenging Tadej Pogacar at the Tour de France during his time at UAE Team Emirates XRG, Ayuso has struggled to maintain form when under pressure or after losing time. His third-place finish at the Vuelta a Espana remains his standout result in a Grand Tour.

The contrast between expectation and delivery has again come into focus this week. An underwhelming individual time trial, where Paul Seixas set the benchmark and left Ayuso outside the top 40, only added to the pressure, mentally as much as physically.

For now, his Itzulia ends prematurely, with more questions than answers heading into the next phase of his season.