Juan Ayuso takes advantage of "better sensations" to climb up Vuelta a Espana GC

Juan Ayuso was a wildcard at the start of the Vuelta a Espana, but in the first week he's done nothing but confirming his climbing prowess, despite having the young age of just 19.

“Today I had much better sensations than yesterday. I was not sure if the final ascent would have been suitable for me, as I have never faced many of these uphill finishes in a race situation at this level, but everything went well," the Spaniard said at the end of the day. Despite the presence of João Almeida, Ayuso has been given a free role at UAE Team Emirates - as have all climbers - throughout the first week.

Ayuso had given signs of great form into the Vuelta, but today at Les Praeres he impressed once again. In the opening meters of the final climb he launched a move which only Evenepoel, Mas and Roglic could follow, but was later dropped. However, Ayuso paced himself back into Evenepoel's chasers, and took time on the rest of the competition as he went up the road towards the end, finishing only 34 seconds down on the race leader.

"Here at the Vuelta I’m going day by day and trying to appreciate everything I am experiencing. I’m looking forward to the rest day for sure tomorrow," he concluded. With this ride, Ayuso has climbed into fifth position in the overall classification and is the team's best placed rider. Heading into the second week it will be unfamiliar territory, with longer climbs and altitude to also play a key role within the GC fight.