Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) has officially closed the book on his acrimonious departure from UAE Team Emirates, issuing a prepared statement at his introductory press conference in Denia to retract the explosive comments made during the Vuelta a España.
Appearing in the team's fresh colours, recently revealed as a twist on a fan favourite, the 23-year-old Spaniard wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room. Before taking questions regarding his new five-year contract through 2030, Ayuso read a verbatim statement designed to neutralise the fallout from September 2025, which he also issued in writing on social media.
Ayuso's departure from the Emirati superteam was one of the most volatile storylines of the late 2025 season. Following a sudden contract termination notification on a Vuelta rest day, an emotional Ayuso had likened the team's management style to a "dictatorship". He cited a lack of respect following a statement from UAE Team Emirates-XRG regarding Ayuso in which the team described "differences in the vision of development plans and in the alignment with the team’s sporting philosophy".
On Thursday, however, the tone was one of disciplined reconciliation.
"I want to address and close, once and for all, what happened last September," Ayuso statement read, refusing to field further questions on the topic. "In that moment I said something I genuinely did not believe, as I was under pressure and nervous. It does not reflect my true feelings, and I consider the matter fully closed."
He went on to thank the "entire team and structure" of his former squad, specifically naming Mauro Gianetti and President Matar for teaching him "professionalism, discipline, and vision".
With the diplomacy concluded, the focus shifted to the sporting ambition behind the transfer. Multiple outlets, including Wielerflits, reported that Ayuso confirmed he will co-lead Lidl-Trek at the 2026 Tour de France alongside Mads Pedersen, explicitly targeting a podium finish.
