Led by Ayuso, the Spaniards are very optimistic for the World Championship Road Race, and Soler explains why

“I'm really looking forward to it,” the 31-year-old rider begins his story with Marca. “I think we have a great team for the World Championships. We're still wondering how the altitude will affect things, but we're a very well-balanced group. With Juan in top form, I think we can ride a great race,” Soler immediately singles out the leader.

His UAE teammate certainly has confidence in the leader. “He rode a great Vuelta, both individually and for the team. He's doing very well, and I think he can prove that on Sunday.” To do so, Ayuso may need someone in the breakaway. Soler, for example? “That's possible. The team we're taking with us is very well-balanced, with riders who are capable of fulfilling that task.”

With Pogacar and Evenepoel at the start, the question remains how the two big stars can be surprised. Because what is Spain's battle plan, actually? “The idea is to protect Juan from the attacks of the favorites. It's not just them; there are others. The rest of us have to anticipate, so that they get pretty worn out,” says Soler.

Because they're not completely unbeatable. “You can beat them by anticipating. It's very difficult in one-on-one situations; I think they're slightly better, but as a group we can be better,” says the UAE rider, referring to his teammates Ayuso, Abel Balderstone, Iván Romeo, Carlos Verona, Carlos Canal, Roger Adrià, and Raúl García Pierna.

Still, Soler knows that if Pogacar really gets going, it will be difficult. “If he has a good day, it's very difficult. We'll have to isolate him and make him work harder than normal, although that's difficult.” In any case, Soler would be satisfied with less. “A podium place is always a success. Getting as close to the podium as possible would be positive.”

New to the Spanish team is the national coach, Alejandro Valverde. Soler has enjoyed the first period with the frequent winner. “It's going very well. I shared a team with him, and now he's similar: before he was the leader in the race, now he's the one in the car. He has always treated us very well.”

The relationship was actually good from the start. "We spoke on the phone months ago, and he expressed his confidence in me. It's special to be part of his debut. In any case, we all know what we have to do," Soler says, looking ahead to Sunday's road race.