Juan Ayuso is making no secret of his position ahead of the World Championship road race in Kigali, Rwanda . The Spaniard, who emerged from the Vuelta with mixed feelings (a double stage victory, but also a controversial split from Team UAE), believes he can also have a chance at victory: "There are some riders who are more favored than me, but I hope they mark each other," said Ayuso. " Evenepoel and Pogačar are the ones that come to mind . I think I'm in the second tier, but on the same level as many others. For me, the World Championships was one of my seasonal goals from the start of the year, along with the 2025 Giro d'Italia . Then the Vuelta was added, which wasn't on the agenda.

Do I dream of winning the World Cup? I'd be lying if I said no. It's definitely very difficult.   But if I wasn't convinced it was possible, I wouldn't even go. Right now I wouldn't settle for silver, but if it comes because one of Tadej or Remco was unreachable, we'll see . But I'm going to give it my all."

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency