Juan Ayuso's absence from the Vuelta, especially as the race enters the mountains, has raised eyebrows. It seems increasingly likely that the young Spanish rider would have preferred to compete in his home race. This speculation stems from comments made by Spanish national coach Pasqual Momparler, who claimed that Ayuso was in excellent condition during the Paris Olympics.
Previously, Ayuso had shared his thoughts on withdrawing from the Tour. "After that, my first thought was the Vuelta. It’s a race close to my heart, and I have special memories of it," he told AS. "But honestly, in the weeks following the Tour, I couldn’t get back to my best form, so we decided to stick with the original plan."
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"The plan was to focus on the Olympics and then the races in Canada. This decision was mutual and made in my best interest—not just for this year, but for the future as well," Ayuso explained. "Personally, I’m now focused on getting back to my peak before the season ends. It’s been a tough year because, after months of preparation, everything you’ve worked for can disappear in an instant. But I have to accept that and keep moving forward."
Spanish coach Momparler responded to Ayuso’s comments in an interview with Marca. When asked if he regretted selecting Ayuso for the Olympics, Momparler was surprised: "No, I don’t regret it at all because he was in excellent shape. I’m not sure who he told otherwise, but he assured me that everything was perfect," said the coach.
These conflicting statements have sparked confusion, potentially adding another layer to the ongoing saga around Ayuso. The young Spaniard is now reportedly preparing for the World Championships, with upcoming races in Canada.