The Spaniard climbed to second place on the Grand Colombier as the Team's consistency throughout the week is rewarded with the lead in the team standings.
Juan Ayuso delivered another strong performance for on Stage 7 of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, finishing second on the demanding mountain stage while jumping up in the general classification heading into the race’s decisive final day.
After a hard-fought day in the mountains, Ayuso and Skjelmose were among the select group of overall contenders still in contention for the stage victory on the slopes of the Grand Colombier. With the help of Mattias, The Spaniard responded to the key moves on the final climb and attacking away solo with 5km to go, only to be caught by Del Toro of UAE XRG with a little over 1km remaining. Juan held on for a very strong second place.
Alongside Ayuso’s podium finish, Lidl-Trek moved into first place in the team classification, reflecting the consistency and depth the squad has shown throughout the week. From Quinn Simmons’ breakaway victory on Stage 4 to the team’s strong showing in the team time trial and continued presence at the front of the race, every rider has played a role in putting the Team at the top of the standings
Both Juan and Mattias remain firmly in contention in the general classification, giving the team plenty to race for as the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes reaches its conclusion.
From Juan
It was just full on racing today. Team UAE and us controlled, because we didn't want the break to get some time. I'm just a little disappointed because I think I threw away the win, and my teammates deserved it today, so, yeah, I'm just disappointed.
When I attacked the pace was not super hard and that's why, that's why it's a bit hard because I did have the legs today and my team were amazing. They put me where I had to be and controlled all the day.
