Struggle with authoritarian leadership - Juan Ayuso criticizes UAE team management at Vuelta a España commencement, dispute ignites over scheduling of announcement about his departure from the team
In a surprising turn of events, Juan Ayuso, the 22-year-old cyclist from UAE Team Emirates-XRG, has announced his departure from the team at the end of the season. The announcement, made unexpectedly during the rest day of the Vuelta a España, has caused a media storm and created a rift within the team.
The decision to end Ayuso's contract through to 2028 early has been a point of contention, with Ayuso claiming that the team management reneged on an unwritten agreement to wait until after the Vuelta ends to make the announcement. He believes the team's decision was intended to harm his image.
Ayuso's teammate, João Almeida, has been embroiled in a controversy at the end of stage 9, which may have played a role in the team's decision. Ayuso has expressed that the ongoing row with the team has made it difficult for him to maintain a union and for things to be completely integrated.
Despite the ongoing row, Ayuso has decided to continue racing the Vuelta a Espana. UAE Team Emirates-XRG manager Joxean Fernández Matxin defended the team's decision to publish the press release, stating it was made to be transparent. Matxin insisted that the atmosphere in the team is good, but the current situation with Ayuso is overshadowing the race.
Meanwhile, Matxin mentioned that they are trying to look ahead at the race, specifically the stage finish at the Cat.1 summit fin Larra-Belagua. Ayuso started the race as co-GC leader with Almeida, but he lost time and all hope of a good overall performance.
Ayuso has accused the team of taking advantage of his statement regarding the controversy. He stated that during all the negotiations before the Vuelta, he tried to end things well with the team, but at times, it felt like a dictatorship and an exercise of power over him.
Ayuso's announcement has also led to speculation about his future plans. He has stated that next year will be a new start with a new squad. The search results do not provide information about the decision-maker of UAE Team Emirates-XRG during the Vuelta a España who announced the early termination of Juan Ayuso's contract on September 14, 2022.
As the Vuelta a España continues, the focus remains on the race, but the unexpected departure of Juan Ayuso has cast a long shadow over the team and the event.
