Another DNF, same questions: Juan Ayuso’s stage race struggles continue after Itzulia Basque Country
Cycling
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.
Questions resurface over Ayuso in stage races
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.
"Fui más rápido de la meta al autobús para intentar ir al baño que en la propia etapa"
— Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) April 9, 2026
🎙️ La explicación de Juan Ayuso en @Eurosport_ES sobre los problemas estomacales que le han hecho abandonar.#itzulia2026 pic.twitter.com/uOc6YzCHbv
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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- Sure, little fella.awp02-11-2026
- You'll be the ongoing joke of 2027 with anything you post here!frieders302-11-2026
- Awwww your inside information must be from PogiFanGirl. You two daughters of different mothers?frieders302-11-2026
- Hey PogIFanGirl...wipe that cream from your lips! You're ever loving drooling and whatever you have for Tadej has your brain fried!frieders302-11-2026
- Why should he 'let it go' ! Because you said so? Anytime LA Doper is called out is a win win !frieders302-11-2026
- Geez LeMond...let it go. You're a has been, albeit a former great one. But this is all water under the bridge and just undermines your legacy further.Mshark01-11-2026
- 'The Slovenian has collected four Tour de France titles' ... '[Kieran Wood's] ... reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis'. i would say that is pretty inaccurate accurate coverage, kieran wood ... too bad that AI's knowledge often lags several months behind ... but proof reading is certainly part of accurate coverage, isn't it? but fortunately does Kieran Wood place 'strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.' i would say the fifth tdf title is pretty new (and even verified) information, so feel free to update this article.Ketterechts01-11-2026
- You are wrong, they are already working on his new tt position. And yes, Trump does love you 😂👍🏼awp01-11-2026
- The Erola Jons incident was not isolated. She felt she could do that because that's how everyone treats Tadej. Remember when he said "If I say wait 2 mins do you show the middle finger and walk off angry?" about the supposed fan who did exactly that? There's nothing wrong with the nurses and doctors asking him to give autographs... but do the surgery first
Rafionain-Glas01-11-2026 - Perhaps he has what Mark Cavendish had, the Epstein-Barr Virus. It caused him severe and unexplained chronic fatigue. I hope he gets better.
parisbound0001-11-2026
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