Juan Ayuso a big doubt for Giro stage 18 with bee sting and swollen eye

It has been a bruising few days for Juan Ayuso at the Giro d’Italia, physically, mentally, and now, quite literally. After cracking spectacularly in the high mountains and tumbling out of GC contention, the Spaniard is now a doubt for Stage 18 following a bee sting that has left his eye visibly swollen.

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ayuso’s participation is uncertain. The UAE Team Emirates rider will attempt a short warm-up before the stage, after which a decision will be made on whether he takes the start.

It adds another cruel twist to what was meant to be Ayuso’s coming of age Grand Tour. Instead, he has endured a nightmare second half to the race. On Stage 17, he limped across the line in 141st place, more than 30 minutes behind, as teammate Isaac Del Toro soared to stage victory and solidified his grip on the maglia rosa.

Just weeks ago, Ayuso was tipped as a podium contender, if not a genuine challenger for pink. Now, at 22 years old, he finds himself watching from the shadows as Del Toro, just 21 and riding his second Grand Tour, becomes the new golden boy of UAE Team Emirates – XRG.