Marc Soler has been key for Tadej Pogacar - In Rwanda he will help Juan Ayuso against the Slovenian

Marc Soler, one of the most prominent riders of the Spanish peloton, spoke to MARCA during the Media Day of the Spanish National Team held in Navacerrada last Monday. With his sights set on the World Championshoips to be held in Rwanda, the Catalan rider was confident and eager to face the challenges that will be presented in the African terrain.

The World Championships in Rwanda will be an unprecedented challenge, not only because of the quality of the opponents, but also because of the extreme conditions that characterize the African terrain, including the altitude, heat and even polluted air according to some riders. "We are bringing a great team for a different World Championships. The altitude and heat will be factors that we don't know exactly how they will affect, but we have a very well-balanced group, with Juan [Ayuso] in great shape," Soler said.

The big question was how Soler viewed his teammate after such an intense Vuelta a España. "He's had a great Vuelta, both individually and as a team. He's doing very well and I think he'll be able to show it on Sunday," Marc said.

On a personal level, Soler feels in top form and eager to face the challenge that awaits him. "I know what I'm coming for, who the clear favorites are, and my idea is to anticipate and help Juan," he stressed. Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel will be the men to watch but the Spaniard don't have to settle for just aiming for a minor result, and Ayuso himself is quite clear that he has the ambition of winning the rainbow jersey.

On his possible role in breakaways, Soler did not rule out the possibility of collaborating in a breakaway if the situation calls for it. "Yes, it could be. The team we bring is very balanced, with riders capable of doing that job. We're covered," he commented.

With the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel on the start line, the level will be extremely high. "The idea is to protect Juan for those moves by the big guys. It's not just them, there are more. The rest of us must anticipate so that, when they arrive, they already have accumulated wear and tear," Soler explained.

UAE Team Emirates is considered one of the best teams in the world, with riders like Pogacar, Ayuso, Isaac del Toro, João Almeida and more capable of winning at any time, and several of its riders will compete against each other for a top result. However, Soler is clear that the Spanish National Team is no less and is ready to give its best at the World Championships. "It is the best team in the world and proves it every year. Anyone could win, but here it's not UAE, it's the Spanish National Team. We come to give the maximum for this jersey," he stressed proudly.

The good relationship that Marc Soler has with Juan Ayuso is evident. During the Vuelta a España, the two shared moments of camaraderie, both on and off the road. "It was always good. We were very close, we shared dinners and rides with laughter. Sometimes you make more noise from the outside than what's really inside," he commented on his relationship with Ayuso.

Rwanda is an exotic country, but with extreme conditions that will test all riders. "The heat, humidity and pollution will be tough factors. The roads are fine, but those conditions will demand extra effort," Soler warned.

Despite this, the Catalan cyclist is motivated by the opportunity to compete in such a unique place. "I like to know the world thanks to the bike. I've traveled a lot and it's always special to discover new places. There we will suffer and enjoy," he added.

The pre-World Championships atmosphere is calm, and Soler assured that the team is focused on the competition, without worrying about the possible protests or controversies that have surrounded some recent competitions. "At the moment we don't know anything. Everything is calm. If something comes up, it will be up to the UCI or the IOC to act. We are focused on racing," he said.

With the challenge of facing the best in the world, Soler is clear about his expectations. "A podium is always a success. To be as close to it as possible would be positive," he concluded.