Alejandro the second in the Amstel Gold Race

Alejandro the second in the Amstel Gold Race

The Spaniard in great shape before the Flèche and Liège
Third in the 2008 race, Alejandro Valverde started the 48th Amstel Gold Race with the aim of conquering the only Ardennes classic still not in his palmarès, and the Movistar Team proved to have the legs needed to make it onto the highest step of the podium. The Spanish rider took 2nd behind Roman Kreuziger (TST) after covering the 34 climbs and 251 kilometers between Maastricht and Valkenburg, with the four passages through the Cauberg as race deciders. The work from the telephone squad into the first crucial loop of ascents, in the final 80k, thanks to Lastras and Erviti contributed to reduce the gaps with the day’s first break and prepared the race for Valverde to respond within the strongest uphill specialists.

Alejandro’s quotes :

The finale was similar to the Worlds one, because Gilbert went away with equal strength and made the difference there. This time I was able to follow him and beat him at the finish. It was sad Kreuziger was still at the front, but he did an impressive work and deserves this victory. I’mr really happy with my second place. I’m not disappointed at all, because we could perform well and my feelings were good. I feel like I have more stamina and reach the finale of such long races in better condition than in the past. This obviously gives me confidence for the two classics coming up. More than Flèche, which I will approach in a more cautious way, I’m focused on Liège, the one that suits me the best. We could see I was strong today. Let’s hope we have some luck on Sunday to chase for that big goal.”