“Can be in the elite for many years" - Miguel Indurain gives lofty praise to Spanish stars Juan Ayuso and Carlos Rodriguez

One of the biggest names in the history of Spanish cycling, Miguel Indurain has been watching the next generation of his nation's riders with growing happiness recently.

A seven-time Grand Tour winner during his peak in the mid-90s, Indurain knows as well as anyone what it takes to compete at the very highest level of the peloton. For him, two young Spaniards in particular stand out from the rest with their potential, UAE Team Emirates' talent Juan Ayuso and the INEOS Grenadiers star, Carlos Rodriguez.

According to Indurain, the pair “can be in the elite for many years due to their quality,” according to quotes collected by Eurosport. “They have demonstrated their preparation to face three-week stage races and this is attested to by their results.”

The success of Ayuso and Rodriguez in recent seasons also marks a growing rise in the level of Spanish cycling Indurain believes. In an Olympic year, the now 59-year-old is confident in his nation's chances of success. “It is an intense year and I am sure that Spanish cycling will achieve good results, despite the tough competition from riders from other countries,” he concludes.