UAE Emirates was one of the favorites for the team time trial victory and with a time of 25'26" triumphed at the Figueres finish line.

"We knew we would fight for the victory, but there were many good teams and we know we must be realistic," Ayuso said after the win. "I think we did a truly perfect job and we deserved to win."

In the general classification, Vingegaard is first, while Ayuso is second 8" behind the Dane, Almeida is third, and Ciccone is fifth with a 9-second delay. "The gaps are extremely short, they mean nothing right now, but it's a good start."

UAE Emirates had an excellent race and Ayuso in particular rode an outstanding time trial. "We had a plan and we executed it perfectly. The team won and it was thanks to all the guys who proved super strong. We had some positive surprises, so it was an incredible team effort."

Ayuso has never worn the Vuelta's red jersey and hopes to take it in the coming days. "I was always looking back to see where my teammates were because the time is taken on the fourth rider, and when I saw we were all together, I continued pushing on the pedals to gain every possible second. It's even better not to have taken the red jersey today, but tomorrow and in the next few days we will try to take it."