Juan Ayuso to lead Spain at Rwanda 2025 Worlds; Julian Alaphilippe & Paul Seixas form generational French attack

The countdown is on for Kigali 2025. From 21–28 September, the UCI Road World Championships will make history as Africa hosts the rainbow jersey battles for the very first time. Both Spain and France have now confirmed their squads, with Alejandro Valverde and Thomas Voeckler naming powerful, well-balanced line-ups for an event that promises to be one of the defining moments of the season.

Spain will travel to Rwanda under the leadership of Juan Ayuso, fresh from two stage victories at the recent Vuelta a Espana and still riding without a confirmed team for 2026. Ayuso will be joined by his UAE Team Emirates - XRG team-mate Marc Soler, forming the core of Alejandro Valverde’s eight-man selection.

Movistar Team will be well represented, with Iván Romeo and Carlos Canal included alongside Raúl García Pierna and Roger Adrià, both of whom will join the Spanish outfit next season. Abel Balderstone has also earned his place after an impressive Vuelta, where the Caja Rural – Seguros RGA rider finished as the top Spaniard in 13th overall. The roster is completed by experienced domestique Carlos Verona, a trusted worker in the World Tour peloton.

Spain’s time trial hopes rest with Romeo and García Pierna. Romeo, the reigning U23 world champion against the clock, has already shown his class this season with strong results at the UAE Tour, the Tour de Romandie and the Tour de France. García Pierna, Spanish TT champion in 2022, has also enjoyed a standout campaign, including victory in the opening time trial of the Route d’Occitanie.

France meanwhile, arrive with momentum and ambition, spearheaded by Julian Alaphilippe, who showed sparkling form with his victory at the Grand Prix de Québec. Alongside him, Valentin Madouas and Pavel Sivakov bring experience and tactical nous, while the emerging Paul Seixas, still just 18, represents the future. Louis Barré completes the attacking options after an eye-catching season.

Voeckler’s full road squad also includes Julien Bernard, Jordan Jegat and Valentin Paret-Peintre, with Bruno Armirail set to focus solely on the time trials. Seixas will have a particularly busy week, lining up in three events: the elite men’s time trial, the Mixed Relay, and the road race, where his aggressive style could add a wildcard dimension. In the Mixed Relay, Seixas will be joined by Sivakov, while Cédrine Kerbaol, Juliette Labous and Maëva Squiban form the women’s trio.

Juan Ayuso
Marc Soler
Iván Romeo
Carlos Canal
Raúl García Pierna
Roger Adrià
Abel Balderstone
Carlos Verona

Iván Romeo
Raúl García Pierna

Julian Alaphilippe
Valentin Madouas
Pavel Sivakov
Paul Seixas
Louis Barré
Julien Bernard
Jordan Jegat
Valentin Paret-Peintre

Paul Seixas
Bruno Armirail