Juan Ayuso joins Lidl-Trek on five-year contract
The Spanish rider has put pen to paper on a contract that will see him link up with American team from 2026 following his early departure from UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
Lidl Trek have confirmed the signing of Juan Ayuso on a long-term contract with the Spanish rider to leave UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the end of the 2025 season.
It was recently reported by Ciro Scognamiglio that the move from 2026 is a done deal, with only the official confirmation remaining.
Daniel Benson also confirmed the news from sources and exclusively revealed that Ayuso will sign a five-year contract, which will run through until the end of the 2030 campaign. Lidl-Trek confirmed the deal on Thursday morning.
It was announced midway through the Vuelta a España that Ayuso would depart UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the end of the 2025 season by mutual agreement, despite his contract set to expire at the end of 2028. This news came just days after Ayuso landed his first of two stage wins in the 2025 Vuelta, adding to the Giro d’Italia stage win he took back in May.
Ayuso, who joined the WorldTour ranks in 2022 with UAE Team Emirates, has established himself as one of the most talented riders on the planet. He became the second youngest rider in the history of the sport to finish on the podium of a Grand Tour at the 2022 Vuelta a España, where he ended 3rd on debut behind Remco Evenepoel, still only a teenager, five days short of his 20th birthday.
Lidl-Trek have already announced the signings of Mathias Norsgaard and Max Walscheid for 2026, as well as promoted Jakob Söderqvist to the WorldTour ranks from the development squad on a full-time basis.
“I’m really excited,” Ayuso said in a statement. “Joining Lidl-Trek is the start of an important new chapter in my career, and I’m motivated to keep growing as a rider. Change always brings new energy and ambitions, so I can’t wait to get started.
“From the outside you can see the team has built a strong identity, with a lot of unity and ambition. The long-term project they’re putting together is something quite unique and special. It feels like a place where I can take the next step in my development, surrounded by riders and staff who share the same goals.
“I want to keep improving in the biggest races; the team has the ambition to become the best team in the world, so I’m really looking forward to contributing to that success.”
Lidl-Trek general manager Luca Guercilena hailed the arrival of Ayuso, who will reinforce a Grand Tour roster that includes Mattias Skjelmose, Tao Geoghegan Hart and Giulio Ciccone.
“Juan is one of the brightest young talents in cycling,” Guercilena said. “He is already one of the best climbers and time trialists in the world, which makes for a very exciting package. At only 23 years old, he still has room to grow, and we are committed to giving him all the support he needs to reach his full potential. Bringing Juan on board is an important step in our long-term vision, and we are excited to see what we can achieve together in the years ahead.”
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