It’s still hard to believe that Juan Ayuso hasn’t turned 23 years old yet – his birthday isn’t until September 2025. Given his impressive performances in various high-level professional races, including podiums in La Vuelta and overall wins, it’s easy to forget he’s still so young. As he prepares for his fourth season in the elite ranks, Ayuso is set to make his debut at the Boucles Drôme-Ardèche in France, a race where he won and finished on the podium last year, behind his then-teammate Hirschi.
Ayuso is eager to start the season, saying, “It’s been a great winter, I really want to start.” He’ll be looking to make a strong impression, especially with his UAE-Team Emirates squad already racking up wins with Pogacar, Sivakov, and Christen. If he wants to be a leader, he’ll need to deliver, particularly with competitors like Hirschi, Skjelmose, Mas, and Carapaz vying for top spots on Gallic soil.
This season is crucial for Ayuso, who will also be competing in the Giro d’Italia. The race promises to be spectacular, with a star-studded lineup featuring Primoz Roglic, Hindley, and Dani MartÃnez. Other contenders include Yates, Aert, Tiberi, and Egan Bernal. Ayuso’s goal will be to achieve a great result, which would be a significant step forward in his career.
In an interview before the start of the cycling season, Ayuso expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming races. He’s had a strong winter and is ready to take on the challenges ahead. With his team’s impressive performance so far, he’ll be looking to contribute to their success and make a name for himself as a leader.
The Spanish cyclist has already shown his class with victories like Itzulia and a second-place finish in the Tirreno-Adriatico behind Vingegaard. However, the 2025 season didn’t quite live up to his expectations, with a disappointing Tour de France where he finished ninth after getting sick. He struggled to bounce back and didn’t achieve his goals in other major races like the Zurich World Cup. Nevertheless, Ayuso is a talented rider, and this season could be his chance to prove himself once again.
The road ahead is marked for Ayuso, with the Giro d’Italia being a key objective. Pogacar will likely be the team’s leader, but Ayuso will have his own opportunities to shine. He begins his season at the Drôme-Ardèche races, and a strong performance there could set him up for success in the bigger races to come. With his talent and dedication, Ayuso is definitely one to watch in the world of professional cycling.