“I was really eager to race again”: Juan Ayuso upbeat on his return to racing at the Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes

After several weeks of altitude work in Sierra Nevada, Juan Ayuso is eager to return to racing at the Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, a key tune-up race before the Tour de France. The Spanish rider believes he has rediscovered his top level after an opening to the season marked by both wins and setbacks.

The 2026 campaign started promisingly for Ayuso with victory at the Volta ao Algarve, but he later abandoned Paris–Nice after a crash and had to pull out of Itzulia Basque Country due to illness. That sequence of problems forced him to pause his progression and rethink his build-up.

“I was really looking forward to racing again. All our preparation is now focused on July, including recons of some key Tour de France Alpine stages with the team. This race marks the start of the final phase towards that big goal,” explained the Lidl–Trek rider ahead of the race.

The French event typically attracts many headliners fine-tuning for the Grande Boucle. This edition features two pivotal days: the team time trial in Perreux and the demanding finish at Plateau de Solaison, a climb also set to appear at the next Tour de France.

Ayuso feels the long spell without racing has allowed him to rebuild after early-season issues. “My 2026 has been mixed. I’ve had strong results, but I’ve also suffered a lot with crashes and illness. These two months away from competition let me reset, and I’m keen to get race rhythm back,” he said.

The Spaniard is also entering a new phase in his career. After five seasons at UAE Emirates–XRG, where he took 16 pro wins, including Itzulia Basque Country 2024, Tirreno–Adriatico 2025, and two stages of the Vuelta a España 2025; he chose a change of scene to secure a clearer leadership role.

His move to Lidl–Trek reflects that search for prominence and responsibility in the Grand Tours. The German squad is in a phase of growth and transformation, aiming to cement its place among the World Tour’s leading structures.

Looking to the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Ayuso expects to be one of the main GC contenders in a start list packed with quality, including rising talents like Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas.

“It won’t be an easy race. The level will be very high, and I think it’ll be a great watch for fans. I hope to play an important part in the fight for the general classification,” he said.

Another focal point for the Spaniard will be the team time trial in Perreux, a dress rehearsal for the collective TTT that will open the Tour de France in Barcelona.

“Having another chance to ride a team time trial before July will be important. We know Barcelona will be decisive for all GC hopefuls. I believe our team has a real shot at the stage win. It’s also a central part of our preparation, so another race-conditions run-through before the Tour will be very useful,” he concluded.