Before the signature check in Lerma and still without dressage for the race, Marc Soler get off the bus. In the team with Juan Ayuso and Joao Almeida, the Catalan (29 years old) is one of the big claims of United Arab Emirates. Halfway through La Vuelta, Soler is second overall, just 26 seconds behind leader Kuss. Talk to AS
The time trial day passed, one of the most important, and he defended great (was ahead of runners like Vingegaard). How does it feel?
I’m great morally and fine physically too. I’m second overall. We have to keep working and also help our teammates.
Before the Vuelta and at this point in the race, did you expect to find yourself in this situation?
No, not really, but hey, you have to take advantage and keep fighting.
How are you currently approaching the Vuelta? Is he one of the team leaders? (His boss Matxin stressed that they would treat Marc with the respect he deserved and that they would have equal opportunities, and that Jumbo will do the same with Kiss).
Well, there’s still a long way to go and it’s also the hardest part, so we’ll have to see how the days unfold. The idea is to get both me and my teammates closer to the red jersey.
At the last Tour de France in Courchevel, he was in one of the pictures of the year, faithfully accompanying Pogacar. maybe his worst moment. He reached the finish line and hugged him. Now is leadership something for you?
I took the opportunity that was presented to me and, as I said, continued. We come with a clear idea and we will fight for it.
How was your post-Tour preparation before arriving in Barcelona for the start?
Very quiet. At home, at training, with the family and recharge your batteries, which was very important.
Both his team UAE and Jumbo currently have three stitches for the general. Will it be a team fight?
I don’t know… everyone wants red so we’re going to fight. We have yet to see how the race develops and I’m sure one will take advantage of the other’s weaknesses. So far there are three of us due to the circumstances of the race, like Jumbo, Remco is also there and other riders follow.
Of the stages left this week, with the climbs to Tourmalet, Larrau… Which one can break the general?
Whew, even the flat stages, as we’ve seen on several days here, can be important when it’s windy, with bigger differences than in the mountains. We’ll see which teams are in control and how it all plays out.
It was placed in the highest places of the classification while escaping on the way to Javalambre. Did you know that day would be important for what came after?
Yes of course it was an important time and when you take it in a three week race… It’s true that it might not be as crucial as it is in week long tests (like the Paris-Nice he won in 2018).
What would be a good twist for you?
Well, now enjoy it on and see how far we can get.