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Third Spanish Championship

Third Spanish Championship

For the third time in his career, Alejandro Valverde has become the Spanish Road Race Championship. However, the title achieved this Sunday in Murcia leaves a special flavor, because it is the first one beside his countrymen, wearing also the rainbow jersey of the world champion.

Valverde finished the great work of Movistar Team, in a race marked by the high temperatures. The climb to the Cresta del Gallo selected the bunch. Any break got no advantage during the first two hours of the race.

The climbs to the Fuensanta continued breaking the group, commanded by the blue team in pursuit of Gorka Izagirre. The Basque, the last winner of the rojigualda jersey, was reached in the last climb, first by Jesús Herrada and later by a small group with Valverde and Luis León Sánchez. The two Murcian riders shown their good legs at home.

Only Herrada resisted in the beginning, although he lost contact in the approach to the finish line, already in the streets of La Alberca. In the sprint, Alejandro beat Luisle in front of the crowd cheering two of the most importante sportsmen of this region.

Quotes: The whole team did a massive job, and when they do, you’ve got to do your best to pay them back – this victory goes to all of my team-mates for their huge effort. I was coming into the end with Luisle, who is a great friend of mine – I’m sorry he wasn’t able to take the title home this time. It’s also sad for me I won’t be able to wear the jersey, yet we couldn’t miss a chance like this to take a prestigious win. I’m happy to win in front of my home crowds and the legs felt really good leading up to the TDF.

Quotes: Movistar Team