Josean Fernández ‘Matxín’ Shows Unwavering Faith in Juan Ayuso: A Trust Reserved Only for Tadej Pogačar
In a bold and passionate declaration rarely heard from him, Josean Fernández ‘Matxín’, the seasoned team manager of UAE Team Emirates, has expressed profound confidence in Juan Ayuso’s ability to win the Giro d’Italia. Such emphatic words have, until now, been reserved almost exclusively for cycling prodigy Tadej Pogačar, underscoring the magnitude of belief Matxín places in the young Spanish rider.
“I see in Juan the same winning hunger, intelligence, and physical talent that we all saw early on in Tadej,” Matxín said in a recent interview. “He is not just a promising rider; he is a complete leader ready to conquer a Grand Tour.”
These remarks, coming from one of the most respected talent scouts and strategists in the sport, signal a turning point in Ayuso’s career. At just 21 years old, Ayuso has shown flashes of brilliance that hint at greatness, but to be mentioned in the same breath as Pogačar by Matxín is a testament to the extraordinary regard in which he is held by his team.
Matxín, who has a reputation for developing and mentoring world-class cyclists, has often spoken of the meticulous nature and mental fortitude required to win a race as grueling as the Giro. He believes Ayuso possesses those very qualities. “Juan is not only physically prepared—his mind is also razor-sharp. He studies his rivals, he absorbs every detail, and above all, he wants to win. That’s what separates the good from the great.”
The comparison with Pogačar is not made lightly. Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France champion and current dominant force in the peloton, has often been described by Matxín as “once-in-a-generation.” For Ayuso to be spoken of in similar terms hints at the long-term vision UAE Team Emirates has for the Spaniard. More than just a talented support rider or a stage hunter, Ayuso is being groomed as a future Grand Tour champion.
Ayuso himself has welcomed the responsibility. “To hear such words from Matxín is an honor and a motivation,” he said. “I’ve worked hard for this moment, and I’m ready to prove myself on the roads of Italy.”
With a strong team behind him and the trust of one of the sport’s top strategists, Ayuso’s 2025 Giro campaign is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched storylines in professional cycling. If Matxín’s instincts are correct—and history suggests they often are—the cycling world may be witnessing the rise of the next great Spanish champion, one capable of carving his name alongside legends like Contador and Indurain.
As Matxín put it: “When I look at Juan, I see a Giro winner. I don’t say that often. In fact, the last time I did, it wa
s about Tadej.”