The news hit the cycling world Monday: Juan Ayuso, a promising 22-year-old Spanish talent, will leave UAE Emirates at the close of this season. This split comes earlier than expected, as Ayuso’s deal was set to run until 2028. The team, home to Portuguese riders João Almeida, Rui Oliveira, Ivo Oliveira, and António Morgado, confirmed the move. They stated the decision stemmed from “differences in the development plan and in accordance with the team’s sporting philosophy.”
This move wasn’t entirely a surprise for those watching closely. Whispers of a rift had grown louder, especially concerning Ayuso’s role within the team. All signs point to Ayuso heading to Lidl-Trek for the 2026 season, starting a new chapter in his career.
Ayuso shared his thoughts in the team’s statement. “I want to thank the team for their support and the chances they gave me over these years,” he said. “I got to grow and race with the best. I know what I learned will always be part of my career. Now, I feel it’s time to take a different path, with the same drive. I wish UAE Team Emirates – XRG success in the future.”
For many, this departure connects back to the 2024 Tour de France. During that race, João Almeida openly called out Ayuso for not doing enough to help Tadej Pogacar. That incident really put Ayuso’s spot on the team in question. Even though directors, particularly his countryman Joxean Maxin, often stood by him, the tension was clear.
The bad blood with Almeida didn’t stop there. It carried over into this year’s Vuelta a España. Ayuso has been riding “his own race,” seemingly focused on personal goals rather than the team’s main objective: winning the event. This individualism clashing with collective ambition seems to be the core issue. Now, with two weeks left in the Vuelta, the big question is whether Ayuso will continue riding solo or if he’ll finally start working to support João Almeida.
The UAE Emirates team, for its part, has secured its future with other key riders. João Almeida, for example, had a contract until 2026 but has already extended it for two more years, locking him in until 2028. Superstar Tadej Pogacar is committed to the team even longer, through 2030. This suggests that while Ayuso’s departure marks a change, the team’s long-term strategy remains solid around its other top talents.