Juan Ayuso Representing UAE Team Emirates at La Vuelta 2023
The young rider from Xàbia, Juan Ayuso, competes for UAE Team Emirates and stands as the sole Alicante representative at La Vuelta a España 2023. The sprint specialist from Torrevieja had hoped to line up in Spain’s grand tour, and though the calendar initially looked favorable for him, the final selection included Bugos among the eight riders chosen by BiH.
Ayuso has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Spanish cycling today. He made his debut in the previous edition and climbed onto the podium at nineteen, finishing behind Remco Evenepoel and Enric Mas in a moment that signaled a bright future for the youngster. His early success hinted at the potential for continued growth on the world stage and a shot at securing high results in big races.
Entering La Vuelta 2023, Ayuso faced a tougher path after a difficult start to the year. An issue with the foot kept him off the bike until April, but the race still arrives with renewed energy. The hope is to replicate last year’s podium and even chase the overall victory, a goal that has motivation running deep among the team and its supporters. Ayuso is well aware that the competition will be intense this time around, featuring some of the strongest teams and riders in professional cycling.
During a recent press conference, Ayuso shared his ambitions with candid optimism. Speaking alongside the Portuguese climber Joao Almeida, he expressed a desire to contend for the victory for the team. He noted that a win would be the best outcome and that his previous podium finish has fueled higher aspirations. The statement underscored a mindset focused on growth and driven by the belief that elite performance is within reach given proper preparation and the right racing conditions.
Yet he did not underestimate the challenges posed by the mountain-heavy stages and the prowess of leading squads. The expectation that teams led by Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard, along with Remco Evenepoel, will push the field to its limits, remains a reality. Ayuso acknowledged the scale of the task but also emphasized that the training plan and fitness level are aligned with ambitious goals for the grand tour. The plan centers on maintaining peak form through a disciplined, stage-by-stage approach that favors consistency and resilience over the long haul.
In discussing how he approaches training, Ayuso explained that no exact mileage equation can capture the perfect preparation. He outlined two long blocks of high-intensity work: one beginning three weeks before the grand tour and another ending two weeks after the Clasica San Sebastian. He stressed the need for flexibility to adjust as conditions change and to respond to how the body adapts during the ramp to peak performance. The preparation has been described as nearly ideal, with only two crashes interrupting the countdown. There were no lingering aches or illnesses reported, and he stayed focused on conserving energy for the toughest miles ahead.
Throughout the tail end of the previous season and the start of the current one, Ayuso faced both physical and mental challenges. He recalled periods when it was crucial to stay positive, maintain composure, and broaden horizons beyond cycling. Those moments helped build resilience and reinforced the mental edge needed for the demanding schedule ahead. The experience, he explained, strengthened him considerably and sharpened his approach to competition and recovery.
Reflecting on past obstacles, Ayuso believes that any remaining difficulties will pale in comparison to the hurdles he overcame on the road back to peak racing form. Perseverance and a steady mental framework have become central to his preparation for La Vuelta 2023. The race will test every ounce of his talent, endurance, and determination as he lines up to represent his team on one of cycling’s most storied stages. This season carries the weight of expectation, but it also carries the promise of growth, progress, and a continued ascent for a rider who has already made a notable impression on the sport and its fans.