Juan Ayuso back in training following challenging spring but won't race again before June

Juan Ayuso, the promising Spanish talent from UAE Team Emirates, has reportedly resumed training following a challenging spring campaign, though he will not return to competitive racing before June. This strategic break means fans will not see Ayuso on the start line again until the Tour de Suisse, effectively ruling him out of any further build-up races in May, including the Tour de Romandie or Critérium du Dauphiné, as his team prioritises a full recovery and targeted preparation.

This period of recuperation is a calculated move for a rider who has shown immense potential, including a third-place finish at the 2022 Vuelta a España, but has also contended with injuries and illness, notably a persistent sciatic nerve issue that hampered his early 2023 season. With the Grand Tours and latter half of the season in sharp focus for UAE Team Emirates, ensuring Ayuso is at peak condition, rather than pushing him through a less-than-optimal spring, is a long-term investment in his considerable capabilities.

Ultimately, it’s a pragmatic decision. A rider of Ayuso’s calibre needs to be 100%, not 80%. Sometimes, the most aggressive strategy is to simply wait.