"It was the first small test and I think I passed it” – Ayuso content with performance on first Vuelta mountain stage

Juan Ayuso is once again a central figure for UAE Team Emirates – XRG, co-leading the squad at the 2025 Vuelta a España alongside João Almeida. The young Spaniard knows the race well, having finished third overall in 2022, and arrives this year as one of the main podium contenders despite a disrupted season. Earlier in the year, Ayuso was forced out of the Giro d’Italia after a crash, but his eighth-place finish on stage 2 of the Vuelta suggests he is settling into the rhythm of the race.

Speaking after the stage, Ayuso admitted it had been a demanding day. “It’s a tricky day because it’s a super fast climb, so it’s hard to see where everybody’s at, but I think it was the first small test and I think I passed it and I hope each day I can keep on improving towards Andorra which are going to be the first real test of La Vuelta."

While Jonas Vingegaard claimed the stage victory and the leader’s jersey, Ayuso focused on the longer picture, seeing the Andorran stages as a true barometer of his condition.

Asked about Vingegaard’s win, Ayuso was clear-eyed in his response. “I hope not, but he was the favourite today and he proved it. Ciccone was also one of the favourites and they both proved it. But I think the stages for me and Joao are still to come and still we haven’t really started so yeah, there’s a lot to play.” His words reflect both caution and quiet confidence that UAE’s double leadership approach could pay off as the race heads into the mountains.

On the strength of Vingegaard, Ayuso showed both respect. “You can see at the Tour how he can react to Tadej, which is the best rider in the world. So you know he has it in." For Ayuso, there is no denying the Dane’s power, but he remains focused on his own progression through the race. "I think it’s too early to take out any conclusions, but it’s good to get the race back and yeah, try and keep pushing for the coming days.”