"We’ll have to stay sharp — something is bound to happen": Juan Ayuso wary ahead of Giro d'Italia stage 3

The Giro d’Italia bids farewell to Albania this Sunday with Stage 3, marking the final challenge before the race’s first rest day — a much-needed break for Juan Ayuso.

The Spanish rider is still dealing with the aftermath of a crash on the opening stage. As the GC leader for UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Ayuso’s condition is far from ideal. He lost 16 seconds to Primoz Roglic in Saturday’s individual time trial, a setback in his bid for the pink jersey.

Speaking to Cycling Pro Net ahead of Stage 3, Ayuso admitted the rest day comes at just the right time. "It’s never good to crash at the start of a race, but after today we get a rest day, and that’s exactly what I need to fully recover and focus on the rest of the Giro," he said.

Albanian roads have proven treacherous for many riders. Roglic noted that the surface was especially slippery during the opening stage — a factor that may have contributed to Mikel Landa’s serious crash. Ayuso echoed those concerns, saying he felt held back during the time trial.

"The TT was tricky. I didn’t feel confident on the asphalt, especially after my crash the day before," explained the Maglia Rosa hopeful. "I took very few risks in the corners. The result was expected, but I don’t think it will matter much in the grand scheme of things."

Looking ahead to Sunday’s stage, Ayuso emphasized the unpredictable nature of the course — and the danger posed by the local roads. "The final climb is tough, but it comes far from the finish. Still, the run-in to the climb is complicated, and with these road conditions, it’s a very dangerous day. We’ll have to stay sharp — because something is bound to happen," he concluded with a warning.