Ayuso's coach gives Québec crash update and clears Seixas of blame

Juan Ayuso’s initial medical assessment following his crash at the GP Québec was positive, but Lidl-Trek's Head of Performance Josu Larrazabal says that the team “want to be cautious and wait 48 hours” to understand the full consequences of the incident. 

Ayuso crashed just before the finish line after being caught up with Paul Seixas as the duo sprinted from a group for 11th place, 57 seconds behind winner Remco Evenepoel. 

The 23-year-old was left grimacing in pain, but eventually managed to get to his feet and walk with his bike across the finish line in 23rd place.

Larrazabal, who is at the Vuelta a España, told Marca that he exchanged messages with Ayuso post-race and indicated that his reaction gave some cause for encouragement, but he remains cautious as the full impact of the crash may not become apparent until later.

"These are the kinds of impacts where you have to wait a couple of days to see the real consequences. Yesterday, after the race, I exchanged a few messages with him; he was angry, but he was even able to joke around,” Larrazabal told Marca.

“In that sense, the initial reaction wasn't bad, and the doctor's initial assessment was positive too. Even so, we want to be cautious and wait 48 hours. He’s surely feeling it today, but often the worst moment after this type of impact comes two days later.”

Further details on Ayuso's condition were reported by Spanish newspaper AS on Saturday. According to the outlet, Ayuso is experiencing discomfort in both his knee and his back as a result of the impact and is awaiting further medical checks.

Despite those complaints, AS reports that there is currently no major concern surrounding his condition and that, if his recovery continues as expected, Ayuso will line up at the GP Montréal on Sunday.

That race would serve as Ayuso’s final competitive test before the World Championship road race on 27 September, which will also take place in Montréal on a largely similar course. The Spaniard is expected to be one of his country’s main contenders alongside Enric Mas.

Larrazabal nevertheless stressed that Ayuso and Lidl-Trek will continue to assess the situation carefully.

“We are preparing for the World Championships, so we need to be sensible and take it day by day,” he said.

Larrazabal also addressed criticism of Seixas following the incident, but he rejected the notion of blaming the 19-year-old, and stated that Ayuso feels the same way.

"You can't clearly see if there was any hooking of handlebars in the video. There’s a movement by a Lotto rider who touches Seixas, sending him flying,” said Larrazabal.

“A lot of people are criticising Seixas, but from our perspective, he’s not at fault at all. It all starts with that movement by the Lotto rider, and Seixas gets caught in the middle. Juan himself never felt that Seixas was to blame."