Juan Ayuso mixed feelings about his Vuelta: "Being the best young rider is a nice reward, but we came for more"

Juan Ayuso concludes his second grand tour participation in 4th place overall, as the 'best from the rest', finishing 3:18 behind the surprising Vuelta champion Sepp Kuss, narrowly holding off Mikel Landa by less than 20 seconds. Despite hoping for a podium, the Spaniard brings home white jersey at last.

"I think it’s different. Last year was my first Grand Tour and I finished on the third step of the podium, which was something I wouldn’t say unexpected but really really big for me. This year, I came with bigger ambitions but it wasn’t possible against a very strong team. But I think my performance has improved a lot since last year and I have to just think about that. For sure, being the best young rider is a nice reward. But we came for more."

"Last year, I wore the white jersey for nearly all the Vuelta but it was never mine, it was from Remco. This year, it’s mine and I’ve won it so it’s special. We have to keep trying for more, keep having ambitions. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t achieve them. I’m not gonna go cry, I’m actually gonna party, have fun."