Row over Ayuso escalates: "Like a dictatorship" - UAE star heavily criticised

"I realise that they did this to damage my image," said Juan Ayuso after the announcement of UAE Team Emirates - XRG from Mondayon the first rest day of the 2025 Vuelta a España that both sides will part ways by mutual agreement despite the contract running until 2028.

Ayuso explained that the announcement of the contract cancellation should actually have been communicated after the end of the Tour of Spain. "I would also have liked to reach a good end with the team, because that was what we were trying to do throughout the negotiation - to reach a good end. But it doesn't seem possible when it's more like a dictatorship and everything is one-sided."

Original press release

Previously UAE Team Emirates - XRG announced on Monday that both sides have agreed to an early termination of the contract, which was originally due to run until 2028. The decision was made following "differences in the vision of development plans and alignment with the team's sporting philosophy", according to the official statement. The 22-year-old Spaniard will remain with the team until the end of the season before moving to an as yet unknown new racing team.

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The separation is by mutual agreement, as both sides emphasise in the press release. Ayuso recently won a stage for the team from the United Arab Emirates at the Vuelta a España 2025. Recently, there has been repeated speculation about a possible move for the young Spaniard - in particular, Team Lidl - Trek has been mentioned as a potential new employer.

Different visions of the future as a reason for separation

The reasons for the premature cancellation of the contract apparently lie in different ideas about the sporting future. Mauro Gianetti, CEO of UAE Team Emirates - XRG, explained in the press release: "Juan is 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. We believe that this decision is in the best interest of both parties, most consistent with the values that define our organisation." The team will continue on its path of growth and development and is confident that the identity and strength of the team will continue to be the foundation, Gianetti added. The wording already suggested that there may have been tensions within the team structure, which already has an established captain in Tadej Pogačar at the top of the hierarchy and other riders in João Almeida and Isaac del Toro who can take on leadership roles in the Grand Tours and therefore have a similar profile to Ayuso.

Juan Ayuso looks back on successful years

Juan Ayuso himself also commented on the early end of his contract in the press release and thanked the team for their time together: "I would like to thank the team for the support and opportunities they have given me over these years. I've had the chance to grow and fight alongside the very best and I know that what I've learnt will always be part of my professional background." The Spaniard added that he now felt it was time to take a different path, "with the same enthusiasm", and wished UAE Team Emirates-XRG every success for the future. Ayuso is regarded as one of the greatest talents in cycling and has already enjoyed considerable success in his young career. At the Vuelta a España 2022, he finished third overall as a 19-year-old, underlining his potential as a future Grand Tour winner.