Marc Soler happy with first season at UAE - "I performed at a high level this year”

The 2022 season marked the first time in the career of Marc Soler that the Spaniard was not riding in the colours of Movistar. Reflecting on his first campaign at UAE Team Emirates, Soler was upbeat. "I performed at a high level this year”

Riding in a mountain domestique role in support of Tadej Pogacar at the Tour de France, Soler was often the Slovenian's final lieutenant before pulling out of the race on Stage 16 due to stomach pain. "That still stings," Soler tells the Spanish sports newspaper Marca. " We were not 100% in the Tour, that is clear. But it's no excuse, we had to work much harder. Jumbo-Visma had a great champion with Jonas Vingegaard."

Read also

"His team is not yet ready" - Why Evenepoel has opted for the Giro instead of the Tour in 2023

Despite not being able to help Pogacar retain his yellow jersey it has still been an impressive season for Soler, highlighted by victory on stage 5 of the Vuelta a Espana where he just held off a pack of chasers led by Daryl Impey to seal his 2nd career Grand Tour stage win.

In 2023 the goal for Soler and UAE Team Emirates is clear, win back the Tour de France's famed yellow jersey. "We have the team to win. Jumbo-Visma has strengthened itself well, but so have we. Our teams are the favourites, but they have a responsibility to win again.”

Read also

B&B Hotels-KTM riders free to sign with other teams, team looks to stay up despite financial issues