01 Nov 2015

Sensational cyclist, Bernardo Ayuso (22)  is a rider who exudes so much confidence. He may not be able to make his bicycle fly but when he rides, he glides and skids his aluminum frame with the dexterity of a wizard.

It is a lofty ambition for any rider his age to share the world’s toughest terrains with seasoned riders across the globe, and with Ayuso’s current form and the confidence oozing in him, he sees nothing stopping him from moving in with the big name stage riders.

“It’s a big challenge for me,” the soft spoken Ayuso opens up in an interview fresh from a resounding victory at the Rasesa Mascom cycle challenge. He has also defended his title at the Jwaneng’s Debswana General Manager’s race amongst many honours under his pedal.

The Gabane born cycling sensation, now has his eyes set on returning to his base in Spain in February next year to continue tough training with his team Gomur Cantabria. He hopes to attract interest from World Tour Teams such as Movistar cycling team. 

Ayuso has penned a two year deal with the club after a successful stint with Seguros Bilbao but sought a new challenge in the Spanish cycling league. The league starts in February up to September.

“I am currently working hard because I’m two levels below what I aspire for. Joining a World Tour team will definitely offer me hope to compete at the oldest grand tour in the cycling calendar, the Tour de France,” he said.

He started racing when he was 12 years old, but cannot remember when he first rode his bicycle. 

“I gained almost every skill that I have today from my father. He has been my role model from day one.I remember seeing him ride his mountain bike when I was still very young,” he added. 

The father Martin Diego Ayuso was once crowned the Spanish national champion in 1975. His son Bernardo found more fun in playing with bicycles than playing with improvised cars and soft drink cans like his age mates did back then.  

His ambitions of becoming a professional rider came to life in 2005, when he won his first competitive race. 

Two years passed and the family had to move to South Africa where cycling was more advanced and Bernardo thought it would suit his ambitions of engaging in more races. 

The biggest break came when he joined the Mr Price racing team. Ends