"I do see myself in the rainbow" - Ayuso in fighting mood ahead of world championships battle with Pogacar

Just days before tackling the brutal road race at the World Cycling Championships in Rwanda, Juan Ayuso appeared confident and composed as he spoke with reporters, including Eurosport, from the Madrid mountains. The 23-year-old Spaniard is considered one of the main medal contenders and used the press conference to outline his state of mind and preparation.

Though the altitude and crisp air of Madrid contrast sharply with the heat and punishing conditions awaiting in Africa, Ayuso stressed that he feels ready to adapt. The UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider, who will switch to Lidl-Trek next season, insisted that this year’s approach has left him fresher than in 2024, when post-Tour de France fatigue dulled his chances.

"I'm coming with more conviction and more enthusiasm than last year. In 2024 I struggled a lot after the Tour. I think riding La Vuelta has been good preparation for the World Championships," Ayuso said. Victories in Cerler and Los Corrales de Buelna during the recent Vuelta a España, alongside earlier stage wins at the Giro d’Italia, have only strengthened his belief.

When assessing the rivals who could block his path to the rainbow jersey, Ayuso was quick to single out two names. "There are several riders quite a bit more favored than me; I hope Remco and Tadej will score," he admitted, pointing to Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogacar as the riders most likely to dominate. Both have already proven themselves in previous championships, and Ayuso knows that going toe-to-toe with them in Rwanda will demand tactical precision.

Yet Ayuso is not prepared to wait passively for the favorites to dictate terms. Outlining his strategy, he was clear about how decisive the course could become. "At 100 km to go everything is going to explode in the pass. Waiting is never good in a race of this hardness.... But I find it hard to believe that Remco and Tadej will attack before the pass. That would be ideal," he said, hinting that timing and positioning could be just as important as raw strength.

Ayuso heads to Kigali with ambitions that stretch beyond individual success. He believes the Spanish national team can fight for the top step of the podium. "I do see myself in the rainbow, I'd be lying if I said no, it's a dream. There are many factors, but if I wasn't convinced, I wouldn't go. Here I do not sign the silver medal. With the team we have and representing Spain, we have to go for everything," he declared.

That collective spirit is something Ayuso says has already taken root during preparations. The Spanish squad’s morale, he explained, will be critical during what is expected to be one of the toughest editions of the World Championships in recent years. "We have done four hours today and all four, laughing. That for a World Cup of this toughness always helps," he added, underlining how camaraderie can ease the burden of such a demanding contest.

Away from the immediate focus on Kigali, Ayuso also addressed the looming change in his professional career. It has already been confirmed by journalist Javier Ares that he will leave UAE Team Emirates - XRG to join Lidl-Trek in 2025. For Ayuso, the move signals a new chapter, though he admitted that the timing created an unwanted layer of tension during the Vuelta a España. "I would have preferred to have a Vuelta with less stress outside of the sport," he conceded, reflecting on the balancing act between competition and contractual developments.

For now, though, his eyes are firmly on Rwanda. With over 5,000 meters of climbing packed into the course, the race is expected to favor the strongest climbers, yet Ayuso arrives with confidence, sharp form, and the full backing of his national teammates. Whether or not he can dethrone the biggest names in the peloton remains to be seen, but his words in Madrid made one thing clear: he will line up in Kigali with the belief that Spain can win, and with no intention of settling for anything less.