The manager of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Mauro Gianetti, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during the Giro d’Italia in Bormio.
He witnessed Isaac del Toro’s impressive comeback as he claimed victory in the stage while adorned in the maglia rosa, yet he also observed the struggles of the team’s anticipated leader, Juan Ayuso, who faced challenges on the climbs and ended up in the gruppetto.
Following the gravel stage in Siena, both Del Toro and Ayuso were considered joint leaders. However, Ayuso was battling through physical adversity due to a significant cut on his knee, which may have affected him mentally as Del Toro consistently outshined him in the race.
On the way to Bormio, Del Toro made a strong comeback during the stage, increasing his lead over Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) and Simon Yates (Visma-Lease a Bike) to 41 seconds and 51 seconds, respectively. Conversely, Ayuso struggled again, finishing in 141st place, 35 minutes and 42 seconds behind the winner. In just two days, he dropped from second overall to 26th, trailing by 49 minutes and 49 seconds.
Gianetti is doing his best to offer support to Ayuso during this tough period.
“Ayuso hasn’t let me down,” he stated in interviews. “Experiencing difficulties on one of the toughest stages of a Grand Tour makes recovery challenging. He isn’t at his best, is struggling to bounce back, and is growing more fatigued.”
“It’s now crucial for him to remain in the Giro and continue contributing to the team. He may be able to assist Isaac in the coming days and play a significant role in our campaign.”
Despite rising speculation of tension within the team, Ayuso, Del Toro, and UAE have consistently denied any conflicts throughout the Giro d’Italia.
The 22-year-old Ayuso has a contract that runs through the end of 2028, a period often termed a ‘golden cage’ due to its length and the presence of Tadej Pogačar and now Isaac del Toro ahead of him in the team structure.
Ayuso, recognized as a promising talent with potential for future Grand Tour victories, would attract the interest of many teams if he decided to leave UAE. Nonetheless, Gianetti emphasized that Ayuso remains an integral part of their long-term strategy.
“He is one of our riders and is pleased at UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Juan Ayuso has no plans to depart, and we have no intentions of letting him go,” Gianetti affirmed.
“Cycling can be harsh and unpredictable. Just look at Antonio Tiberi from Bahrain Victorious. He was quite ambitious until a few days ago but then faced setbacks and suffered today.”
“That’s the nature of cycling. Juan had a strong start to the season and has been racing extensively; he might be experiencing the effects of that.”
Isaac del Toro shines
Gianetti stood proudly at the podium’s base as Del Toro celebrated his stage win and donned the maglia rosa for yet another day.
“This Giro is remarkable. Today was a significant day for us as a team. Witnessing a young talent like Isaac Del Toro, just 21 years old, express his character and ambition is truly special,” Gianetti expressed with evident emotion.
“What he is achieving is remarkable. He earned the maglia rosa in his first Giro at just 21. He’s suddenly found himself in a whole new realm. He appreciated the beauty of the sport but has now recognized the responsibility that comes each day, both before and after the stage, as well as towards fans and the race.”
“This is all a new experience for him, but he is a champion. He is evolving every day, both mentally and physically. He is learning to trust the team, the road captains like Rafa Majka and Adam Yates, and his sporting directors.”
Only four stages remain, including two critical mountain stages, on the path to another Grand Tour triumph for UAE, this time led by Del Toro. He currently leads Carapaz by 41 seconds, with Simon Yates trailing by 51 seconds.
“We are taking it one day at a time, as we always have,” Gianetti stated.
“There will be some challenging races ahead, but Del Toro’s victory and performance today will undoubtedly enhance both his and our confidence. We will see what unfolds.”