Alejandro Valverde participated today in the first event of the Challenge of Mallorca, the Palma Trophy, raced on a city circuit of 11, 6 kilometers which the riders had to achieve ten times.

After the race won by Australian sprinter Robbie McEwen, the rider from Murcia declared:  “This year I started my season sooner that I am used to as I already have the Tour Down Under in my legs.  Nevertheless the first race in Spain always means something special and I am very happy I had the opportunity to be at the start this morning in Palma.