Official: Juan Ayuso out of Olympic Games time-trial following Tour de France Covid-19 positive

Juan Ayuso has had to abandon the Tour de France due to Covid-19 and that will mean that in the next Olympic Games he will only compete in the road race. Thus, his replacement in the time trial will be Oier Lazkano of Movistar. The UAE Team Emirates rider was perhaps the nation's best hope of a medal after winning the Tirreno-Adriatico time-trial ahead of none other than Filippo Ganna, but will not take part in the race.

"The Royal Spanish Cycling Federation announces that Oier Lazkano will finally be the Spanish representative in the individual time trial at the Olympic Games in Paris," it was announced. "This change in the designation is motivated by the illness contracted in recent days by Juan Ayuso, who because of the same can not reach an optimal condition to compete on July 27 the Olympic time trial".

In the road race, Ayuso is still scheduled to race at this time, joined by lazkano and his teammate - and national champion - Alex Aranburu. The team has realistic chances of fighting for a result on a race that suits the classics specialist and is expected to be very open.

After the time trial, the trio chosen by coach Pascual Momparler will race the race in line on August 3. Let's remember that the teams with the most riders will have four. Spain did not obtain the necessary UCI points and will only start with three, although of high quality. Undoubtedly, with medal options.