Open war in UAE Emirates between the team and Juan Ayuso: yesterday's press release, announcing the contract termination, triggered the anger of the young Spanish rider who this morning, at the start of stage 10 of the Vuelta, made truly heavy statements. After greeting the crowd, signing autographs and posing for many selfies, Ayuso opened up...

«I would have liked to conclude my adventure with the team well, but it's not possible when you're dealing with a dictatorship and a unilateral exercise of power. I want to tell everyone that I don't agree with the statement released by the team: yesterday a statement came out around seven in the evening and I was only notified at six-thirty, when journalists already knew for hours that the statement would be issued. We had agreed it would be made public after the Vuelta, to not compromise anything at a sporting level, nor the team atmosphere, nor our teammates. They should be asked why it was released yesterday, why it was so sudden and without notice. Obviously I have clear ideas about why they did it, to try to damage my image again, as the statement confirms, which I disagree with. And when I pointed this out, they responded that the first draft was much worse and that therefore I should be happy about it».

And further: «They talked about values and unity, and these are things I completely agree with. They also took advantage of some unpleasant words from Almeida: I spoke with João and he apologized. I want to help him, but on Sunday I wasn't feeling well and he understood. But when it's one lack of respect after another from the team management, it becomes difficult to bond and want to integrate. Out of respect for my teammates and the good moments we've shared over the years, I would like to conclude this Vuelta a España in the best possible way, and I'm very happy that you know this too. Next year will be a beautiful year, a new beginning, and I'm happy».

Finally: «The relationship with my teammates, including Almeida, despite all the talk, is good: Joao deserves all the support I can give him and that's what I'll try to do. I would have liked to conclude well with the team too, because that's what we tried to do during negotiations before the Vuelta, but sometimes it seems impossible when you're dealing with a dictatorship».