"With João Almeida the relationship was good" - Juan Ayuso on Pogacar, battle with Gianetti, Giro drama, Lidl-Trek and more

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Rupture with UAE Team Emirates

• "These decisions don't happen overnight. It was drop after drop until we said: this is it."
• "From the Giro to La Vuelta were a bit complicated months. This was a different pressure and stress: that of trying to negotiate a start... That took a lot of energy away from training as well."
• "It twists when Gianetti understands that there is no way, no matter how much he wanted to, to keep me. From then on his attitude changes."
• "We had agreed to announce it after the Vuelta... That Monday I didn't know anything. At 18:30 my agent called me and the press release came out on time. There was controversy and they wanted to use it as a weapon to damage my image."
• "The curious thing is that at the beginning of the year there was a possibility of reaching an agreement but, without going into details, again Mauro's intolerant attitude prevented it."
• "In the end the relationship breaks up because it became too difficult and you end up getting pissed off."
• "Now I'm going to a new team, new hopes. I want to keep the good memories of this team."

Juan Ayuso has always insisted he has a good relationship with João Almeida. @Sirotti

Relationship with colleagues and managers

• "With the teammates the atmosphere was very good. The problem was always more with the team management. They understood the situation well and helped me to take it with humor."
• "With João Almeida the relationship was good. They always try to make drama where there is none."
• "With Pogacar? I made the schedule that the team set for me. Those decisions are Matxin's."
• "With Matxin I had a very good relationship, but there came an untenable moment. He saw himself in the middle, but he respected me and helped me to leave the team."
• "Before the Vuelta I never had a bad image with the team or behavior that would justify public criticism from your boss. Those things affect you and you don't understand the need for them."
• "In UAE, there was never any self-criticism: a stage ended and was never discussed, whether it went well or badly. That's what then creates tensions."

Ayuso was overshadowed by Isaac del Toro at the Giro d'Italia. @Sirotti

The Giro and Vuelta experience

• "After the Giro I wanted to go to La Vuelta. Then, with the negotiation, I had ups and downs training. We were always told that I was going if Tadej didn't go, and that went all the way to the end of the Tour. That lack of confirmation until days later I didn't understand very well either."
• "I enjoyed La Vuelta, I got good results and, looking at it this way, I can't complain."
• "The sterrato is always chaotic... It's racing stuff. I'm never going to get pissed off about decisions in competition. What I did demand was self-criticism, and that wasn't done in UAE."
• "Why didn't I speak on the last rest day [press conference]? It was the team's decision, I had no problem."

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New project at Lidl-Trek

• "I received lots and lots of messages. From the first meeting I knew I fit in: the team I liked the most was the one that was betting the most on me."
• "I signed for five years out of sporting conviction, not to secure a sum of money. I firmly believe in the project."
• "Luca [Guarcilena] was the one who pushed the most and saw it as possible. I sat down with them and the owners of Lidl. They explained the project to me and where they want to go."
• "The first and most important thing is the philosophy and the mentality. I prefer clear decisions, like them or not, to leaving them up in the air. Their mentality aligns with mine."
• "In October we have the first training camp. I want to integrate as one more, learn from teammates and staff, and contribute my part."
• "I don't know the calendar yet. Maybe Tour and Vuelta, I'm throwing it out there. I don't know."
• "Change brings new energy. It's going to be a year of change."

Relationship with Movistar

• "Yes, I spoke with Eusebio and Sebas Unzué; also Lomba. But it didn't go beyond that because the exit door of UAE was more closed than open. They were conversations that couldn't go any further."

The World Championships in Kigali

• "What I meant by not signing for silver is that I'm not going out with an approach to be second. I'm going out to win and then we'll see what comes out."
• "A World Championship is a World Championship. After the three Grand Tours, I think it's the biggest thing in cycling - who wouldn't like to win it?"

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