The Volta ao Algarve marks a fresh start for Juan Ayuso, not just as the first race of the 2026 season, but as his debut with Lidl-Trek. The 23-year-traditional Spanish rider is eager to build on past successes – including stage wins at the Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia, and overall victories at Tirreno-Adriatico and Tour de Suisse – and commence the year with a statement. Ayuso’s preparation has included high-altitude training, and now he’s ready to translate that work into competitive performance on the Portuguese coastline.
After weeks of training at altitude on a Spanish volcano, Ayuso is looking forward to racing at sea level. The Algarve race, he explains, offers a balanced challenge. “It’s a really nice race that has a bit of everything,” Ayuso said, adding that the 19.5-kilometer time trial will be a key opportunity for him and his new team to gel. The race likewise provides a chance to build form with a mix of stages suited to both accumulating race kilometers and targeting strong results.
Transitioning to a new team always presents adjustments, but Ayuso reports a smooth integration into the Lidl-Trek organization. He emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere and the shared ambition within the team. “The image and sensations I get from everybody is that they’re super welcoming,” Ayuso stated. “I think We find incredibly good people here who want you to be successful and thrive. It’s great to know everyone is really part of the project and aid the team to seize the next step, I’m really proud to be a part of that.”
New Team, Optimized Setup
A significant aspect of Ayuso’s preparation has been optimizing his time trial setup with the support of Trek engineers. He’s confident in the results of wind tunnel testing and eager to put the refinements to the test in Portugal. “I’m confident my set-up is going to be good but this is a chance to keep improving on those small details,” he said. “Having the support of the engineers from Trek has helped create a really fast set-up and I had really good values in the track test.”
While the Tour de France in July remains the primary goal for the season, Ayuso is focused on a measured approach to his early races. He views the Volta ao Algarve as a crucial step in establishing team dynamics and familiarizing himself with the logistics of racing with his new squad. “I think the first two races will be about the internal dynamics of racing in a new team and getting to know how everything works,” he explained. “Getting comfortable with that is something that I have to pay attention to, but to be honest I’m not worried because everything’s rolling super smoothly.”
Aiming for a Winning Start
Despite the emphasis on acclimation, Ayuso’s competitive spirit shines through. He acknowledges his recent history of starting seasons with victories and expresses a desire to continue that trend with Lidl-Trek. “These last two years, I’ve always started my season winning so it would be really nice also to continue that trend, especially this year to give this team what I think they deserve,” he said. Juan Ayuso, currently 23 years old, is looking to build on a strong career trajectory that has already seen success in major Grand Tours.
The Volta ao Algarve represents more than just the start of a new season. it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Ayuso. As he prepares to pin on his race number, the Spanish rider is focused on integrating with his new team, refining his equipment, and, delivering the kind of performance that sets the tone for a successful year. The race begins this week, and all eyes will be on Ayuso to witness if he can achieve his ambition of a winning start.
What comes next for Ayuso will be a continued build-up towards the Tour de France, with a focus on refining team tactics and maximizing his physical condition. The Volta ao Algarve will provide valuable insights into his form and the effectiveness of his new setup, setting the stage for the challenges ahead.
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