Among the favorites for the general classification at the Giro d'Italia is Juan Ayuso, the Spaniard who will challenge Primoz Roglic for the pink jersey. Ayuso is only 22 years old and will therefore also be in the best young rider classification, but this won't be his main goal, because after the results he has achieved, he has earned the captain's role at UAE Emirates XRG. In his career, he has obtained 13 victories, and 5 of these were conquered in 2025.

In March, in just a few days of racing, he secured several successes, starting with first place at the Faun Drome Classic and three days later winning the Trofeo Laigueglia. At the Tirreno-Adriatico, he dominated, winning the general classification and the best young rider classification, and securing first place in the sixth stage after finishing second behind Filippo Ganna in the opening time trial. In March, he also competed in the Volta Ciclistica a Catalunya, where he finished second overall behind Roglic.

After March 30th, the Spaniard has not raced anymore and has focused on preparing for the Giro d'Italia, where he aims for the highest result. Regarding grand tours, this is his first participation in the pink race, but he has already secured a third place overall at the 2022 Vuelta, when the victory went to Evenepoel ahead of Mas. In 2023, he had to settle for fourth place in a Vuelta dominated by Visma - Lease a Bike.

Ayuso is happy to accept the challenge and will do his best in the Italian race. "The competition for the general classification will be fierce, especially with Roglic," he said, "but we are ready to fight. The start of the season has been fantastic, and the goal is to continue on this path. I think we have the strongest team in the Giro, and I believe this is our strength."

UAE Emirates XRG has focused on a very strong team, where alongside young riders, there are experienced men. The Spaniard can count on Igor Arrieta, Filippo Baroncini, the Mexican Isaac del Toro, the Pole Rafal Majka, the American Brandon McNulty, the Australian Jay Vine, and the Brit Adam Yates.