Juan Ayuso

Currently the youngest ever podium finisher in Vuelta a España history, Juan Ayuso was born on September 16 2002 in Barcelona, though most of his childhood was spent in the south-easterly region of Valencia. Whilst still a junior, aged 17, he signed a five-year contract with UAE Team Emirates, racing half of his rookie pro year in a devo’ team before joining the WorldTour squad mid-way through 2021.

2022, his first full season, was far more productive, with top five finish in the Volta a Catalunya followed by a Best Young Rider’s win in the Tour of Romandie and his first professional win in the Circuito de Getxo one-day race in late July. Subsequently completing his first 2022 Vuelta a España in third place aged 19, Ayuso became the race’s youngest podium finisher ever, as well as the youngest rider to claim a top three in a Grand Tour in 118 years.

2023 Ayuso’s season start was delaying because of a leg injury, but he made up for lost time with his first WorldTour win in the time trial of the Tour of Romandie. In a Tour de Suisse where all results were overshadowed by the death of Gino Mäder, Ayuso  claimed a mountainous stage and a TT en route to second overall.
After a runner’s up spot in the Spanish National Championships road race in late June 2023, Ayuso then clinched the Best Young Rider’s award in the Vuelta a España as well as fourth overall.

Key results

Winner two stages, 2023 Tour de Suisse

Winner one stage, 2023 Tour de Romandie

Third place overall and Best Young Rider: Vuelta a España 2022

Fourth place overall and Best Young Rider, Vuelta a España 2023

Second overall Tour de Suisse 2023