In the lead-up to the highly anticipated time trial of the Giro d’Italia, UAE Team Emirates rider Juan Ayuso has expressed a newfound sense of calmness despite facing recent challenges. The 22-year-old cyclist was involved in an unfortunate accident during Stage 9 in Tuscany, resulting in a knee injury that required three stitches. However, his determination has remained unshaken, enabling him to continue training effectively in preparation for the upcoming event on Tuesday.
As the first Grand Tour of the season progresses, UAE Team Emirates has positioned itself strongly within overall standings, boasting an impressive lineup of four riders in the top ten. At present, Ayuso ranks second, trailing his teammate Isaac del Toro by a narrow margin of 1 minute and 13 seconds. Additionally, Brandon McMulty occupies eighth place, 1 minute and 59 seconds behind, while Adam Yates follows closely in tenth, just two seconds off McMulty’s pace. This solid positioning indicates that UAE Team Emirates has significant potential as they move forward in the competition.
Given that Primoz Roglic, representing Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, sits a minute behind Ayuso, the outlook appears promising for UAE Team Emirates as they head into the remainder of the Giro. Before the commencement of the race, Ayuso openly articulated his aspirations to secure a podium finish. After his achievement in winning Stage 7, he has amplified those ambitions with a bold declaration: “we’re here to win.” This statement not only reflects his self-confidence but also suggests that his early successes during the tour have fed into his aspirations of securing a top position.
Amidst the internal competition within the UAE Team Emirates, Ayuso has remained steadfastly fixated on the overarching goal of helping his team clinch victory in the Giro, placing personal glory on the backburner. He articulated this sentiment during a recent press conference, stating, “The important thing is that the team wins the Giro. Obviously, I want to win it, but if a teammate wins it, then it’s mission accomplished as well.” Such a statement underscores his commitment to teamwork, despite the inherent competitive spirit typical in cycling.
Moreover, he has made it clear that he would prefer facing the disappointment of losing the Giro to a teammate rather than a rival. His positivity and resilience are evident in his outlook about returning to training after stitches: “being fit enough for a training ride after my stitches makes me feel a lot calmer about tomorrow’s time trial.” His perspective reflects a balanced approach to competition, combining ambition with a pragmatic understanding of his place within the team dynamics.
Boosting the morale of the team, Ayuso emphasized how well he and the team are faring. He reminisced that if someone had informed him at the start in Albania that he would find himself in a strong second place on the rest day, he would gladly have accepted. The progress made not only catalyzes his confidence but also reinforces the team’s ambitious spirit.
In addition to Ayuso’s remarks, team manager Joxean Fernandez Matxin has reaffirmed that the strategy for the UAE Team Emirates remains unchanged, emphasizing that both Ayuso and Yates are regarded as key leaders. Despite Del Toro currently leading the General Classification, Matxin reassured that the core strategy allows for collaboration, flexibility, and the support of their leading riders. He even encouraged inquiries to rival teams regarding their forthcoming tactics against them, illustrating his confidence in team dynamics and strategy.
As the cycling world watches the unfolding events with bated breath, fans can follow the exhilarating action of the Giro d’Italia live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The excitement surrounding the race continues to build, as each rider strives for not just personal glory, but also the collective triumph of their teams.
