Juan Ayuso, the Spanish cyclist from Lidl-Trek, withdrew from the 2026 Itzulia Basque Country (Tour of the Basque Country) during the fourth stage due to stomach issues. Prior to the race, Ayuso had faced a challenging lead-up, including a crash at Paris-Nice that forced him off the bike for four days, followed by another fall that disrupted his training. (domestiquecycling.com)
In the opening time trial of the Itzulia Basque Country, Ayuso finished 38th, 1:16 behind stage winner Paul Seixas. He described the performance as “one of the worst TT performances that I can remember,” acknowledging the impact of his disrupted preparation. (cyclingnews.com)
Despite these setbacks, Ayuso remained committed to the race, expressing hope that his body would recover to contribute to his team’s efforts in the remaining stages. However, the stomach problems during the fourth stage led to his withdrawal from the competition.
The 2026 Itzulia Basque Country has been marked by intense competition, with riders like Paul Seixas and Isaac del Toro emerging as strong contenders. Seixas, in particular, has impressed with his performances, including a dominant victory in the opening time trial. (wielerflits.nl)
Ayuso’s withdrawal highlights the unpredictable nature of professional cycling, where factors such as health issues and accidents can significantly impact a rider’s performance and race outcomes.