Ayuso sprints to Vuelta stage 12 victory as Palestinian protests ease

Juan Ayuso sprinted to a thrilling victory in the 12th stage of the Vuelta a España on Thursday, marking his second win in this year’s race. The 22-year-old Spanish rider, representing UAE Team Emirates, crossed the finish line ahead of his compatriot Javier Romo and Brieuc Rolland, bringing a sense of calm after recent unrest.

Following the disruption at stage 11 due to a pro-Palestinian protest at the Bilbao finish line, Thursday’s 145-kilometre route from Laredo to Los Corrales de Buelna unfolded with a peaceful atmosphere. Although spectators displayed Palestinian flags along the course, the race proceeded without incident. Ayuso, who will part ways with UAE Team Emirates at the end of the season amid reports of friction with the team, showcased his sprinting prowess by outpacing Romo in the final meters.

“The sprint... I did quite well,” Ayuso said after the race. “I know this road a lot because it’s where the junior races finish as well, so I knew how to time my sprint.” The Spaniard is rumored to be moving to Lidl-Trek next season, adding excitement to his promising career.

Stage 12 saw a large breakaway group shake up the race dynamics, with 52 riders breaking away from the peloton early on and gaining nearly five minutes’ lead. The peloton, including race leader Jonas Vingegaard, arrived over six minutes behind. Vingegaard retained the leader’s red jersey, followed by Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock. The general classification favorites conserved energy ahead of Friday’s grueling challenge – the Angliru climb, one of the toughest in the race, concluding the 202.7-kilometre stage from Cabezon de la Sal.

Despite pressure from race organizers for Israel-Premier Tech to withdraw due to protests, the team remained in the race, starting the stage in Laredo. The event’s smooth progression brought relief to riders and fans, setting the stage for an intense upcoming battle.

VIDEO: Stage 12 Highlights

Stage 12 Top 10

1   Ayuso Juan UAE Team Emirates-XRG 180 03:16:21
2   Romo Javier Movistar Team 130 + 00
3   Rolland Brieuc Groupama-FDJ 95 + 13
4   Campenaerts Victor Team Visma | Lease a Bike 80 + 17
5   Pedersen Mads Lidl-Trek 60 + 17
6   Denz Nico Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe 45 + 17
7   Howson Damien Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team 40 + 18
8   Buitrago Santiago Bahrain Victorious 35 + 18
9   Beloki Markel EF Education-EasyPost 30 + 18
10   Castrillo Pablo Movistar Team 25 + 18

GC after Stage 12

1 Vingegaard Jonas Team Visma | Lease a Bike 44:36:45
2 Almeida João UAE Team Emirates-XRG + 50
3 Pidcock Tom Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team + 56
4 Træen Torstein Bahrain Victorious + 01:06
5 Gall Felix Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team + 02:17
6 Armirail Bruno Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team + 02:23
7 Jorgenson Matteo Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 02:26
8 Hindley Jai Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe + 02:30
9 Ciccone Giulio Lidl-Trek + 02:33
10 Pellizzari Giulio Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe + 02:44