Juan Ayuso Leads UAE Team Emirates-XRG To Historic Victory At Trofeo Laigueglia

Juan Ayuso clinched victory at the 2025 Trofeo Laigueglia, marking a significant win for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The 22-year-old Spaniard triumphed in a four-man sprint, adding this Italian one-day race to his earlier success at the Faun Drôme Classic. This achievement makes Ayuso the first Spanish cyclist to win in the event's 61-year history.

Earlier in the race, UAE Team Emirates-XRG set a relentless pace on the Colla Micheri climb. Their strategy aimed to reduce the number of contenders as they approached the finale. Teammates Igor Arrieta and António Morgado played crucial roles, helping Ayuso position himself for a decisive attack.

The Emirati squad's efforts paid off during the third ascent of Colla Micheri. As riders fell behind, Ayuso prepared for his move. Unlike his solo win at the Faun Drôme Classic, this time he had company. Neilson Powless and Christian Scaroni joined him as Morgado launched one final push with 20.9km remaining.

Ayuso and Scaroni worked together to distance Powless over Colla Micheri. However, Powless managed a smart descent with Michael Storer, rejoining them to form a leading quartet heading into the last 10km. The group realised that only a sprint would determine the winner.

As they approached the finish line, Ayuso remained focused despite being twice a podium finisher before. Under pressure from rivals eager to follow his wheel, he initiated his sprint first. His acceleration proved unmatched, securing him another impressive victory ahead of Scaroni and Storer.

Ayuso's triumph was well-deserved after UAE Team Emirates-XRG controlled the race throughout. His performance animated an exciting final hour of racing in Laigueglia. Speaking post-race, Ayuso expressed gratitude towards his teammates and looked forward to future goals in Italy.

Ayuso's Reflections

"It was the place I was missing," Ayuso said after crossing the finish line. "I did one time third, one time second and now finally I have also finished first. I am glad I could finish the work of the team! We controlled all day, we made a hard pace on the climbs and then on the final circuit, I always had a teammate with me covering every move."

In another success for UAE Team Emirates Gen Z jersey, Matthias Schwarzbacher secured victory at the Umag Classic. This adds to their growing list of achievements this season.

With inputs from WAM