"That's cruel" - Alberto Contador stands up for Juan Ayuso after Giro d'Italia injuries were forgotten by many

Cycling
Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 12:45
juanayuso 2
Primoz Roglic abandoned the Giro d'Italia as a result of several crashes, most notably that suffered on the 'sterrato' stage. However, Alberto Contador has found it very unusual that although Juan Ayuso abandoned in almost the exact same circumstances, his are almost ignored by the cycling world.
“Let's see how he develops. He started as the favorite alongside Roglic in the Giro, but he crashed. Then we forgot he had crashed, and that's cruel,” Contador said in words to Marca. “He has a Grand Tour in his legs. We'll see how far he can go".
The Spaniard went down on the opening day of the race suffering a minor knee injury, and then once again on stage 9 where he gained time on Roglic but lost some to his rivals. He received several stitches in the knees, and after the last day of the race he struggled quite a lot with it. A bee sting in the face then cemented his withdrawal from the race.
"Ayuso is a talented young man with a great mentality," Contador believes. At age 22 he already has four Grand Tours in the legs, although he's had to abandoned the past two prematurely due to injuries or illnesses. The pressure within UAE Team Emirates - XRG has built up on several occasions.
Lastly Contador, who also previously talked about Iván Romeo after his surprising win at the Dauphiné this week, also commented on the state of modern cycling which seems to be the most aggressive in the sport's modern history.
“As spectators, we are enjoying it a lot. Cycling is very attractive and is experiencing a great moment. It's a time to enjoy. Some days I miss it, others not so much," he jokes. "There's a lot of sacrifice for everyone, and you miss that too someday".
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14 Comments
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maria20242024 11 June 2025 at 21:10+ 1039

It's annoying to constantly portray Ayuso as a victim. Now the world is guilty of not mourning his crashes enough, as it did with Roglic (?). Contador, I expect better from you.

Mistermaumau 12 June 2025 at 06:23+ 4000

What are you talking about, the majority of comments are out to criticise him, maybe it’s natural that some then feel he deserves a little back-up sometimes too?

1stpastthepost 11 June 2025 at 19:43+ 124

Yes I agree.

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maria20242024 11 June 2025 at 21:10+ 1039

I'm talking about Contador comment. Really? read this thread, except me, everyone pitying the poor victim Ayuso.

Cyclingsbestfan 12 June 2025 at 24:16+ 168

He needs another team. The dominence of Pogacar in UAE must be suffocating for him. He must have known what he signed up to? I guess the assured long contract money dazzled him. He is only 22 though - It's easy to forget that - he has time to gravitate into a grand tour contentender under the right tuteledge.

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maria20242024 11 June 2025 at 21:11+ 1039

Could you explain how Pogacar suffocated Ayuso in Il Giro? maybe Ayuso is not good/mature enough. In other teams he could not defeat Remco, VIngegaard neither Roglic (Volta Catalunia).

Cyclingsbestfan 12 June 2025 at 06:24+ 168

You are missing my point. He is I feel stiffled by the situation he finds himself in at that team. Pog is the main man that he wants to be. As I said in my post it is a situation unfortunately of his own making. This lad has flashes of brilliance. He needs to be in the right enviroment to help him even out those flashes of brilliance into sustainable GC competing form. Regarding maturity or the lack of it? Give him time to gain some - he is only 22!

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maria20242024 11 June 2025 at 21:12+ 1039

No one is blaming him for not being mature, I mentioned it as a possible reason for their inconsistent results. I don't believe in UAE civil war or internal complots o senseless like that. There can be only two causes: immaturity (physically and/or behaviorally) and/or not being good enough.

1stpastthepost 11 June 2025 at 22:48+ 124

Cyclingsbestfan I have to agree with you. I don't think the problem is all Auso's fault. Auso is like square peg in a round hole in that team. I can see a parting of the ways coming.

Mistermaumau 11 June 2025 at 20:17+ 4000

I believe you are underestimating the influence of entourage, you/we have no idea how riders are being prepared and the target/goal management has in mind (which may not always be what they tell the riders) AND whether they are being optimally trained to bring out their FULL potential or just to be optimal servants, those are two very different roles, like comparing cycling with triathlon riding.

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maria20242024 11 June 2025 at 22:43+ 1039

In your opinion, the UAE pays a multi-million dollar contract for years to retain a talent, but its real goal is to get a good domestic? I don't believe it.

Mistermaumau 12 June 2025 at 10:10+ 4000

Considering the « unlimited » budget they have, that they’re prepared to pay their leader 8 per year, paying a very good domestique who can take over for the leader in emergency or replace when leader isn’t present (winning around 15x already at this age) 2 per year is the price to prevent him becoming a rival at another team until such time as said leader slows or stops. In the meantime, it wouldn’t be in their interest to allow a chap with this character to develop into leader challenging shape so who is to say if he is receiving optimal guidance for developing into a leader beater?

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maria20242024 12 June 2025 at 08:06+ 1039

Come on, it's not serious and you know it. But If your happiness is winning arguments, even with sophistry, ok. I like making people happy: YOU'RE RIGHT.

Mistermaumau 12 June 2025 at 13:39+ 4000

We’ve seen the basis of this with other riders/teams (where less money was involved but UAE money is cheap) already, how can you exclude it? Happens in orher sports too.

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