Juan Ayuso: Lance Armstrong Cycling Record Was Erased Off The Books Before Basque Country Victory

Juan Ayuso is proving himself to be better than Lance Armstrong. Being the youngest to secure a podium in the history of Vuelta a Espana, Ayuso impressed the cycling realm with his all-around abilities. However, the Spaniard did not stop since. Ayuso has been constantly improving himself and has kept winning prestigious tournaments such as the Tour de Romandie and Tour of the Basque Country. He had also clinched the bronze medal at the European Championships 2021, Trentino. 

However, Juan Ayuso has added yet another feather to his crown. Competing at the prestigious Tour de Suisse, Ayuso not only took the win but also created history by breaking not one but two records. In fact, it included the likes of Jan Ullrich and Lance Armstrong. 

Juan Ayuso topples Lance Armstrong’s record

When Ayuso entered the Tour de Suisse, not many gave him a chance. Ayuso had an average 2023 season due to his tendonitis injury. However, the UAE Team Emirates cyclist probably wanted to stage an emphatic comeback. And surely, he did succeed. Displaying immense power and skill, Ayuso climbed the Albula Pass in record time. His time of 34 minutes and 35 seconds ranks him as the fastest to reach the peak of the treacherous Albula. 

This incredible timing meant that Ayuso had broken Jan Ullrich’s record by a margin of 2 minutes and 7 seconds and also demolished Lance Armstrong’s record by 3 minutes and 51 seconds. Adding further caviar to the Spaniard’s victory is the fact that both Ullrich and Armstrong had used EPO while they established their respective times, but Ayuso did not do so. 

The 21-year-old’s power during the last lap could be perceived from the fact that he averaged 400 watts. Such an incredible display propelled him through the final 4.5 kilometers with more than 7% slope in just 10 minutes and 49 seconds. However, soon after his heroics when he returned home, Ayuso received a heartwarming welcome. 

Juan Ayuso greeted by his canine friend

A recent Reddit update portrayed how Ayuso’s family welcomed the champion in his hometown. While the 21-year-old was being embraced warmly by his family members, another intimate friend of his was waiting patiently. It was none other than Ayuso’s little canine friend, who was ever so happy to see him return. 

Ayuso’s pet dog has been constantly by his side since 2023. No sooner had the Spaniard turned his attention towards him, than the dog sprang up and started licking the cyclist’s face repeatedly as a gesture of gratitude and affection.

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