"With another team I would have lost the Volta ao Algarve" - Juan Ayuso starts off 2026 with a bang

Juan Ayuso could not have started his new chapter any better. In his first race with Lidl-Trek, after leaving UAE Team Emirates, the Spaniard won the overall at the Volta ao Algarve and delivered a flawless debut with a stage win in the yellow jersey as well.

The rider’s own assessment is emphatic in an interview with Marca: “The Volta ao Algarve left me with very good feelings. Beyond the victory itself, I’ll remember how we won it, because on the final day they attacked us right down to the medical car.” Ayuso puts the spotlight on the collective effort: “The team responded in the best possible way: first by keeping a big break from going clear and, then, in the finale, by absorbing attacks from every team. I’m very happy, I feel hugely supported, and the atmosphere is fantastic.”

In these first months, the change of setup has exceeded his expectations, especially on the human side. “Above all, I’ll take the people. Plus, Lidl-Trek is starting to make a significant investment to add more resources: a kitchen truck, recovery tools… Not all those upgrades have arrived yet, but everything points to a very positive outcome.”

Ayuso insists he doesn’t miss a thing: “As a structure, I lack nothing; I even have more resources at my disposal than I had before. But if I have to choose one thing, I choose the people, because they make me feel very comfortable and they’re top professionals.”

He cites the aerodynamic work as an example: “For instance, in the wind tunnel we’ve improved my time trial position again, something that, in my view, was hard to refine and I preferred not to touch; however, thanks to them I’ve taken another step forward.”

The victory in the Algarve strengthens his conviction about the leap he has made. “With another team I would have lost the Volta ao Algarve,” he says bluntly.

Looking ahead to Paris–Nice, the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France, he stresses the importance of the team time trial: “Now come Paris–Nice, the Dauphiné and the Tour — all three with team time trials — and we’re bringing a lineup that, if not a clear favorite to win, will be highly competitive. Seeing the Paris–Nice route, the TTT could decide 70% of the GC, and with the squad we’re fielding, our collective strength will put us right up there. I’m very happy to be part of a group that will make the rest of the stages much easier for me.”

Individually, he identifies a clear improvement against the clock. “In the time trial I’ve taken another step forward thanks to a small position change and the new equipment — the new helmet really suits me.” In other areas, he stays on the same trajectory: “In the rest, as always, trying to improve in everything and polishing the details. That said, there’s less mystery there than people might think.”

Among the names to watch is Paul Seixas. Ayuso has no doubts about his trajectory: “Seixas is going to be a rider who will soon be contesting the Grand Tours; if not this year, then next. One more rival to fight with.”

And he points to the current context of the peloton: “We’re already used to facing riders who are defining an era: Tadej, Remco, Vingegaard…”

Comparisons with Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador also surface in his analysis. “I’d be happy to resemble either of them. I think cycling is changing and the rider profile you need to win a Grand Tour is different from ten years ago.”

If he has to choose, he’s clear: “If I had to pick, I see myself more in Valverde, because I have that sprint that lets me win. However, what Alberto achieved in the high mountains is also essential to succeed in today’s cycling. I’ll sign for a mix of the two," he joked.

For the rest of the year, his goal is specific: “My wish is for everything to continue as it has so far: keep improving, avoid setbacks, and see how far my level can go without the hiccups I’ve had in recent years.”

The main target will be his Tour debut: “I’ll try to deliver a good Tour, since it will be the first I race. May luck be on our side and may my level determine the result.”