UAE Team Emirates was the only team that attempted to attack the leaders of the general classification during the 14th stage of the Vuelta a España. Juan Ayuso displayed strong legs and launched an attack on the remote Port de Larrau, but all three Jumbo-Visma cyclists responded immediately.
Ayuso, after the stage, provided his assessment of his performance to the Spanish website esciclismo. “The classification riders didn’t attack each other in the final part of the race. Nevertheless, the stage was very challenging, especially on the ascent to Larrau,” Ayuso said.
“There, we tried to control the stage with the team for the stage win. I gave it a try, but quickly lost motivation because it was a very long way. … In the end, everyone conserved their strength; it wasn’t a difficult climb.”
The intentions were clear; the Spaniard intended to attack on the second climb of the day. In the first two climbs, Domen Novak and Finn Fisher-Black set a high pace, and at 52 km from the finish, Ayuso made two attempts to attack. Only a few riders managed to stay with him on the very challenging ascent, but that included the three Jumbo-Visma cyclists. Without cooperation, Ayuso couldn’t maintain the pace at the front.
“Remco was so far ahead, and it was impossible to shake off the entire Jumbo-Visma team. The Jumbo-Visma leaders haven’t shown any weakness yet. The truth is, I’m starting to feel better and better,” Ayuso stated.