Juan Ayuso joins Lidl-Trek on five-year deal after turbulent UAE Team Emirates-XRG exit following La Vuelta drama
By Ben Snowball
Updated 25/09/2025 at 09:35 GMT+1
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Lidl-Trek have confirmed the signing of Juan Ayuso. The Spaniard, 23, left UAE Team Emirates-XRG after a turbulent spell that saw tensions spill over during the recent La Vuelta. With stage wins at the Giro d'Italia and La Vuelta, plus an overall podium finish at the Spanish Grand Tour in 2022, Ayuso's arrival is a major boost for Lidl-Trek's ambitions to be "the best team in the world".
Ayuso says UAE 'like a dictatorship' as he speaks out on shock exit
Video credit: TNT Sports
Juan Ayuso has penned a five-year deal with Lidl-Trek, ending a turbulent spell at UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The 23-year-old lit up the recent La Vuelta with two stage wins, but it was his war of words off the bike that made the most headlines.
UAE stunned the cycling world by announcing mid-race that Ayuso would be leaving, citing "differences in vision". Ayuso hit back, accusing the team of running like a "dictatorship" and trying to "damage his image".
For Lidl-Trek, the signing represents a coup. Ayuso is already one of the sport’s brightest prospects, with a podium finish at La Vuelta in 2022 to his name, plus GC victories at Itzulia Basque Country and Tirreno–Adriatico.
But questions linger. At UAE, Ayuso was accused of not being a team player in a setup inevitably built around Tadej Pogacar.
"I'm really excited," said Ayuso. "Joining Lidl-Trek is the start of an important new chapter in my career, and I’m motivated to keep growing as a rider. Change always brings new energy and ambitions, so I can’t wait to get started.
"From the outside you can see the team has built a strong identity, with a lot of unity and ambition. The long-term project they’re putting together is something quite unique and special. It feels like a place where I can take the next step in my development, surrounded by riders and staff who share the same goals.
"I want to keep improving in the biggest races; the team has the ambition to become the best team in the world, so I’m really looking forward to contributing to that success.
"I feel super grateful towards the team for giving me this opportunity and their confidence. I can’t wait to wear the Lidl-Trek jersey."
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