Juan Ayuso to leave UAE Team Emirates-XRG at end of the season after having his contract terminated early - 'Differences in vision'
Updated 02/09/2025 at 16:39 GMT+1
The 2025 season will be Juan Ayuso's final one with UAE Team Emirates-XRG after having his contract terminated early. The Spanish rider had three years remaining on his deal but a difference in "vision" between Ayuso and the team he is co-leading at La Vuelta has led to the decision. Ayuso won Stage 7 but failed to support his team-mate Joao Almeida in the latest stage.
Highlights: Ayuso bounces back to secure third straight stage win for UAE
Video credit: TNT Sports
Juan Ayuso’s contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG has been terminated early due to "differences in the vision of development" within the team.
It comes as the Spanish rider continues to experience a mixed bag at La Vuelta, where he lost over 21 minutes at the finish of Sunday’s ninth stage and was unable to help his team-mate Joao Almeida, who surrendered 24 seconds to race favourite Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike).
Ayuso has been co-leader of the team - who say it has been a "mutually agreed" decision for them to part at the end of the season.
His contract was due to run until 2028, but that has now been amended.
A team statement said: "Ayuso will now remain on the roster until the end of 2025 after a decision was made following differences in the vision of development plans and in the alignment with the team’s sporting philosophy."
Speaking about his imminent departure, Ayuso said: "I would like to thank the team for the support and opportunities they have given me over these years.Â
"I have had the chance to grow and to compete alongside the very best, and I know that what I have learned will always remain part of my professional background.Â
"I now feel it is time for me to take a different path, with the same enthusiasm and I wish UAE Team Emirates–XRG success for the future."
Mauro Gianetti, CEO of UAE, said: "Juan has been a valuable talent and we are grateful for what we have built together. At the same time, our sporting project has always been focused on continuity, group harmony, and building a winning team.Â
"We believe that, in the best interests of both parties, this decision is the most consistent with the values that define our organisation.Â
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"UAE Team Emirates–XRG will continue on its path of growth and development, confident that the team’s identity and strength remain our foundation. We wish Juan every success in the future."
The announcement comes a few days after Ayuso powered to victory on Stage 7 of La Vuelta. Two days later, Ayuso shipped over 21 minutes and said he was unable to help the team.
"I was quite tired and couldn't help the team much. I'm not in the fight for the overall, so there's no point in pushing for the sake of pushing," he said in an interview with Marca after the stage.
"I wouldn't have been there. Pushing for five more minutes makes no sense."
Ayuso dropped to 49th on general classification after Stage 9, over 32 minutes behind race leader Torstein Traenn of Bahrain Victorious.
The race resumes on Tuesday following the first rest day of the final Grand Tour of the year, with the riders faced with another summit finish at El Ferial Larra Belagua.
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