“Don’t invent stories where there aren’t any” - Julien Bernard hits back at criticism of Juan Ayuso after Itzulia abandon

Juan Ayuso’s difficult Itzulia Basque Country 2026 has taken another turn, with Lidl-Trek’s Julien Bernard publicly stepping in to defend the Spaniard after criticism emerged on social media following his abandon on Stage 4.

Ayuso had already been struggling earlier in the race, visibly suffering with stomach issues before eventually stepping off the bike, bringing an end to a week that had quickly unravelled after his crash in Paris-Nice and subsequent disrupted build-up.

In the aftermath of his withdrawal, questions began to circulate online around Ayuso’s role within the team, with suggestions he had not contributed enough in support of team-mates.

Bernard, however, moved quickly to dismiss that narrative, offering a firm rebuttal based on what had unfolded inside the race itself. “I’m so tired of reading this kind of thing. For the past two days they’ve been trying as best they can to help us.”

Rather than a lack of effort, Bernard pointed to a rider already pushing through difficult circumstances in an attempt to contribute.

Crucially, Bernard also revealed that the call for Ayuso to ease off was not a personal decision, but one made within the team. “It was Skjelmose who went on the radio today to tell him not to push his body and to think about the Ardennes.”

That insight shifts the context significantly, suggesting Ayuso’s withdrawal was part of a broader, longer-term approach rather than a sign of disengagement. With the Ardennes Classics approaching, preserving condition rather than forcing through illness appears to have been prioritised.

Bernard’s frustration was clear as he addressed the speculation directly, urging observers not to draw conclusions disconnected from the reality inside the peloton. “Don’t invent stories where there aren’t any.”

The response underlines the gap that can emerge between external perception and internal team dynamics, particularly in situations where illness or unseen struggles play a decisive role.

After a week defined by setbacks, Ayuso’s focus now turns to recovery, with his planned Ardennes campaign still in view and, as Bernard made clear, with the backing of those inside the team firmly intact.