How far can Juan Ayuso go in the Vuelta a España? According to the words of the team director, Joxean Matxin, he’s ready to compete with the top cyclists and potentially contend for victory. The UAE Team Emirates is fully committed to pursuing this goal with determination.
“In terms of results and what they’ve achieved in other competitions, Vingegaard, Roglic, Evenepoel… they are top-level riders, but honestly, I think Juan has to be up there with them,” Matxin said to the Spanish newspaper AS.
“What’s the measure? In what order? Well, that and the road will place each one in their position. We can generate a lot of expectations, but the confidence I have in Juan is absolute. You can’t choose your rivals, and this Vuelta is the best example of that, but to be one of the best in the world, you have to fight against them, and they’re all but Pogacar.”
Most of the climbers are here, and Ayuso will face a big test. Among the General Classification contenders, he is the only one who has focused his Grand Tour objectives solely on the Vuelta, which might give him an extra advantage on home turf. “We are convinced of what he’s capable of based on what he’s shown, his numbers, his conditions, his attitude, and above all, his temperament.”
“I think sometimes when a cyclist is really good, and you give him that confidence, or even to yourself… it’s a big thing. You need to keep your feet on the ground and have absolute respect, but here Juan can be up there with the best,” Matxin concludes.