"Movistar could also be an interesting alternative" - Johan Bruyneel on where Juan Ayuso may head after UAE stint

The main topic of the rest day and stage 10 were the news around Juan Ayuso, his departure from UAE Team Emirates - XRG and his dispute with the team management which he was not afraid to air out in a pre-race interview. Johan Bruyneel and Spencer Martin have shared their opinion on the matter and suggested Movistar could be a good alternative.

The former Belgian sports director is clear on The Move podcast that the best decision regarding the cyclist's future has been made because he could not continue even a second longer in the Emirati structure:

"I think the problem is probably a character incompatibility: Ayuso 's character and his vision of cycling don't fit with that of the team. If a cyclist like Ayuso doesn't get what he wants, he tends to say that the team is dictatorial. I say this from a distance, I can only judge from what I see at the races and in his interview," he argued.

"Today an interview was also published with Matxín, who tried to minimize the situation by saying that an agreement had been reached and that Juan was with them until December 31, that he would do a great job in the Vuelta, as if everything was fine. But clearly it's not". Ayuso's outburst, calling the team a dictatorship and revealing the press release was moved ahead of schedule without him being noticed, is as clear of a sign as there could be that the Spaniard was not happy with how the team had treated him. Many details may still not be known behind the scenes, but this decision was made back in June, after the Giro d'Italia.

From Spain it is taken for granted that the cyclist has signed for Lidl-Trek, both from the press and from the environment of Movistar Team. Bruyneel believes that Movistar Team would be a great destination for the Valencian rider however.

"We don't know what Ayuso's fate will be. There is talk of Lidl-Trek, which could be a good option because they don't have a dominant overall leader. Movistar could also be an interesting alternative: they have a bigger budget with a new external investor, commitment until 2029, and Ayuso would be the team's main rider for the whole year".

"In addition, they could incorporate him into the team's staff. Everything will depend on the contract and if there is a cancellation clause paid by the team".

However for now Ayuso remains in the Vuelta and has been at the service of João Almeida on stage 10 to Larra Belagua. With a stage win in the pocket, the Spaniard may look to support his teammates more, but it is very possible that he will still go out and try to improve his palmarès in the coming weeks.

"Now we're in the middle of the Vuelta, with 11 stages to go. We'll have to see how Ayuso performs: if he's at the service of the team, today at least he showed intent and helped Almeida, although he could have given more. Matxin mentioned that if another opportunity arose, Ayuso could take it in another stage, but I think he should focus on working for the team now. It's not clear if they have the authority to impose it."