Juan Ayuso: "I am satisfied with my performance. I can now slowly start thinking about the podium"

The twelfth stage of the Vuelta a España concluded with Richard Carapaz’s victory. UAE Team Emirates rider Juan Ayuso finished in 18th place.

Ayuso feels he is improving his performance, and it's a good sign for him, the young rider hopes for a stage win. "I am satisfied with my performance. I can now slowly start thinking about the podium," said Ayuso.

He rode with top classification riders for most of the stage. In the end, his legs were not able to continue with the pace of others, and he had to slow down."I knew it would be a long climb, I hoped that when it got really hard, I would be left with the best five. I would have liked to attack afterward, but it just wasn't possible. Partly due to the many changes in rhythm, it was difficult, but nevertheless, I am very satisfied,” concluded Ayuso. He currently holds 5th place in GC, just 4 minutes and 53 seconds behind overall leader Remco Evenepoel.