"Why shouldn't I try to win this Criterium du Dauphine?” - Juan Ayuso bullish despite recent illness

With one stage down at the 2024 Criterium du Dauphine, there is still everything to play for in the general classification. One of those very hopeful of securing victory and the Maillot Jaune in the process, is UAE Team Emirates' leader Juan Ayuso.

“The training camp went very well,” Ayuso reflected in a pre-stage 2 conversation with Cycling Pro Net. “I've had a solid training block with the team in Sierra Nevada. Last week was a bit difficult because I got sick. But I think I have fully recovered now. Hopefully I'll be back on track today. And why shouldn't I try to win this Dauphiné?”

With stage 2 expected to have much more of an impact on the general classification, could it be a day for Ayuso to shine against the likes of Remco Evenepoel, Primoz Roglic and Sepp Kuss among the other general classification challengers. “It's a difficult stage," the Spaniard previews. "Maybe the breakaway stays away, maybe the classification riders want to go for the win. In any case, it will be my first difficult day after a long time without a race."

Indeed it has been over a month since the 21-year-old was last in action. Then, at the Tour de Romandie, Ayuso took 5th place in the general classification. “I don't know where I stand yet, but if I see the opportunity, I will definitely go for the win. On paper it's a good stage for me," previews the UAE Team Emirates leader with an optimistic outlook. "If I have the legs, the final should suit me. I'm good at getting to the end quickly, so if there's a small group left, I might be able to finish it. But like I said, the last week has been difficult for me. I will come back and hope that I have fully recovered.”