“I’d be happy if some things don’t go my way this week” - Juan Ayuso admits Tour de France is the focus in return at Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Juan Ayuso returns to racing at the Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes 2026 after several months away from competition since his last appearance at the Itzulia. The Spanish rider approaches the French race with optimism, aware it will be an important week to regain rhythm and keep building towards one of his main goals of the season: the Tour de France.

Before the start, Ayuso told Cycling Pro Net it has been a long spell away from the competitive environment and that pinning on a number again brings special motivation.

“It’s been a long time. I’ve been away from being here, doing interviews, wearing a number, and feeling those pre-race nerves. It’s been a long period, but given the circumstances I had no other option. I’m really happy to be here,” he explained.

The Lidl-Trek rider described the first part of the season as a stretch with both highs and tougher moments, but stressed he arrives at this new appointment with a positive mindset, focused on enjoying his return.

“I’m just happy to be here. It’s been a long time since I raced, and that’s what I value most right now,” he said.

During his time away from racing, Ayuso concentrated on preparing for his major summer targets. He said the team completed a productive training camp and was able to recon several key Tour de France stages.

“We had a good camp with the team and also good recons for the Tour. This race is simply a tune-up for the Tour de France,” he noted.

Because of that preparatory focus, the Spaniard tackles the week without excessive pressure on the final result. He even sees any setback as a lesson ahead of July’s big rendezvous.

“Even if things go a bit wrong here, I know it’s not the end of the world. In fact, I’d be happy if some things don’t go my way this week because that would mean they won’t happen at the Tour,” he said.

That does not mean he will park his competitive ambition. Ayuso made it clear that, like any rider, he lines up aiming to fight for victory, though he admits he still needs to gauge his true level after so many months without racing.

“When you race, you always race to win, but then you have to see what your level is and also the level of the other riders. I haven’t raced for a long time and that’s something I’ll have to find out over these days,” he explained.

The opening stage is already on his radar as a demanding day and a good chance to test his form. The Spaniard hopes the shock of returning to race pace comes now and not in a few weeks at the French Grand Tour.

“I think today is going to be a big shock for me. It’ll be a really hard day, but that’s exactly why we’re here: to take that hit now and not at the Tour de France,” he concluded.