Juan Ayuso's first season in Lidl Trek colours is not unfolding as the Spanish rider and team had hoped: after winning the Volta ao Algarve, Ayuso was forced to withdraw from both Paris-Nice and the Itzulia Basque Country.

Medical examinations to which the Spanish rider submitted himself have revealed a recent viral infection: the rider is not yet ready to return to racing and therefore will miss the upcoming Ardennes Classics.