Valverde: Ayuso will be Spain's leader in Tour and World Championships

Spanish national cycling coach Alejandro Valverde sees a bright future for Juan Ayuso, predicting the young rider will lead Spain in both the Tour de France and the upcoming World Championships. Valverde, a former Tour de France podium finisher and World Champion himself, expressed confidence in Ayuso's potential to secure a top 5 position in this year's Tour.

Despite lamenting the last-minute withdrawal of Carlos Rodríguez, Valverde highlighted Ayuso's capabilities, with Carlos Verona of Lidl Trek expected to provide support. The coach also provided insights into the Movistar team's prospects, identifying 23-year-old Belgian Cian Uitjdebroeks as their main contender, whom he believes can target a top 10 finish. Other riders on the team will focus on winning individual stages.

Valverde realistically assessed the team's chances, stating that competing for a podium spot is exceedingly difficult in the current era of cycling, which features a high level of competition from strong young riders. He pointed to Tadej Pogacar as the primary favorite for the yellow jersey but cautioned that Jonas Vingegaard has regained his top form, as demonstrated in the Giro d'Italia, and could pose a significant challenge to Pogacar.

Regarding 19-year-old debutant Paul Seixas, Valverde expressed some reservations due to the rider's youth and inexperience in a three-week Grand Tour, suggesting the long duration might prove challenging for him.