Indurain calls for more respect for Ayuso and Rodriguez: "A top 10 finish was once valued"

Miguel Indurain, the Spanish cycling legend and five-time Tour winner, says he no longer follows the sport in detail. Yet the biggest challenge of Spanish cycling does not escape him: the lack of a true finisher. And according to Indurain, no one will fill that gap anytime soon.

Movistar was the flagship of Spanish cycling and Team Sky's most prominent challenger for years. With leaders such as Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde, the team experienced its golden years, but everything collapsed completely. Although Movistar is slowly getting back on its feet, recovery is difficult. Miguel Indurain also sees this, who spoke with team boss Eusebio Unzué.

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Indurain with Jonas Vingegaard

Ayuso and Rodriguez deserve respect, but do not provide Spanish triumph at Tour

"One or two years ago, they were in a difficult period because of a transition of generations, but they seem to be finding their identity again, not by throwing large sums of money around, like other teams, but by strengthening their structure. It isn't easy to attract top riders on the transfer market, so they will have to put more effort into it. But they will keep the essence of the team," Indurain told Marca.

The Spanish newspaper also asked Indurain about Spanish cycling's greatest hopes: Juan Ayuso and, to a slightly lesser extent, Carlos Rodríguez. "They are doing well. The young riders are making great progress and are already performing in the top 10. A top 10 ranking used to be greatly valued, but nowadays, it seems you only count if you win."

Indurain said that both GC riders deserve more respect. "You have to recognize that they are always among the favorites. They are seen as contenders in almost every race they start, which is worth a lot. They are riders who work hard and fight, which deserves respect," the former rider said. But he doesn't see them winning the Tour de France. "We are missing a real finisher. Winning in cycling is incredibly difficult. But hopefully, it won't take long."

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Indurain with Tom Dumoulin

In cycling, everything can change quickly, even for Pogacar 

The now 60-year-old Spaniard also spoke about Tadej Pogacar and his performance in 2024. "I don't know him personally, only from TV. But Pogacar has a strong team around him and oozes self-confidence. 2023 he suffered an injury, but in 2024, he was back at top level. Still, what you won last year no longer counts in cycling." And the former rider is right about that, although he doesn't think much will change. "He has the right attitude and structure to have another great season."

Earlier, Indurain said he sympathizes with the younger generation of cyclists. "They end up getting more tired in their minds than in their legs because they have to be busy all day with eating, training, traveling...... They must be on all day, so they get very stressed mentally," he explained.

Would a young Indurain hold his own in today's cycling world, where riders are thoroughly screened and analyzed as early as age 17? "It used to be hard; now it's hard and always will be. It's an elite sport where you must embrace toughness and risk," he argues. "In essence, the sport remains the same." Indurain says: "Those who want to reach the top must accept the hardships and constantly adapt."

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