Main actor in Waregem

The second Flemish experience for Alejandro Valverde ended with a satisfactory eleventh place but, above all, with the feeling that the Movistar Team rider can fight face to face with the greatest specialists in this kind of races. Valverde was very active in the decisive part of the race, selecting the group of favorites with several attacks far away from the finish line in Waregem.

When a small group aborted a dangerous move with the Belgians Van Avermaet (BMC) and Benoot (Lotto-Soudal), only thirteen men remained with triumph options in this semi-classic included in the World Tour calendar. The surveillance between them ended when five riders managed to open a gap: Pedersen (Trek), Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), Teunissen (Sunweb), Vanmarcke (EF Education First) and Lampaert (Quick Step), who revalidated his victory a year ago with an attack in the last kilometer.

Valverde arrived next to Van Avermaet, Moscon, Stuyven or Terpstra; in a very tough day with cold and rain, showing once again that he is a cyclist with unique skills, able to shine in all kinds of terrains and competitions.