“Being a leader is not just about winning, but about behaving like one”: the message from Juan Ayuso’s new boss at Lidl-Trek

At the official presentation of the Lidl-Trek team, Luca Guercilena, the team’s general manager, highlighted the role they expect Juan Ayuso to play next season.

Speaking to Eurosport, Guercilena underlined that the team has designed a very clear plan for the young Spaniard. Carlos Verona also spoke about his future teammate and how motivated he is.

“We have offered Juan Ayuso a very clear programme in terms of expectations,” he explained. “We want him to be our leader in a Grand Tour. What we expect from him is that he exercises clear leadership, which does not only mean winning races, but also performing as the leader of a team.”

Guercilena pointed to Mads Pedersen as an example of the type of leadership they want to encourage in riders such as Juan. “Here in the team we have an example of what it means to be a leader, with Mads Pedersen, and I think everyone can learn from him,” he said.

The manager also highlighted other riders in the team who have shown growth in leadership and who will be key figures within the German structure alongside the Valencian. “We have riders like Giulio Ciccone, who has matured a lot; Mattias Skjelmose is heading in the same direction; and Jonathan Milan has taken huge steps in terms of leadership.”

When it comes to Ayuso, Guercilena was clear about expectations. “Juan has shown important leadership qualities and with us he has to take the final step. He needs to understand that being a leader is not just about crossing the finish line first, but about leading a group of people, from the staff to the office, the management team or his fellow riders, and being a point of reference.”

He did not want to comment on what happened with Juan Ayuso at UAE. “It is impossible to answer without knowing what happened internally at UAE, it is extremely complicated. I know what we can guarantee.”

Lidl-Trek therefore trust that Juan Ayuso will take on a leadership role in the Grand Tours, following the example of riders such as Mads Pedersen and establishing himself not only as a winner, but also as a reference point within the team.

Carlos Verona, Ayuso’s future teammate at Lidl-Trek, who recently renewed his contract for three more seasons, is delighted with his arrival and hopes that together they can fulfil his dream of working as a domestique for a Grand Tour winner. “It is the biggest motivation I can have at this stage of my professional career. I have always said that what I am missing as a rider is winning a Grand Tour with a teammate. With Juan, I think it is possible. I am very happy that he is here: he can give us a lot and we can give a lot to him as well.”