Alejandro’s press conference previous to the start of the Tour
Alejandro’s press conference previous to the launching of the Tour
The Spaniard took part together with Eusebio Unzué and Nairo Quintana
In front of a big pool of journalists, the Movistar Team held today its press conference prior to the start of the 100th Tour de France tomorrow in Corsica, with a 212km road stage from Porto-Vecchio to Corsica. Alejandro Valverde took part alongside with Eusebio Unzué and Nairo Quintana.
Summary of Alejandro’s quotes:
“We have a clear intention in mind this year: fighting for a podium place in Paris, or even yellow if possible. It’s true that I’m getting a bit old, 33 right now, and we have gone through many moments of joy and sadness in the Tour. We did well more or less in the last few years, with some stage victories, but I think we can aspire to something else in this year’s race. I feel different right now: another mentality, more experience; a stronger squad than the already-powerful ones I always had. We have more conviction and I think we can do well. Looking at the race routes from previous editions, this year’s doesn’t do bad for me at all. I like the mountains, and also the TT’s suit me – except for the first individual one, of course. We have a solid block, ready not to lose much time in the TTT or even fight for the win, and the second ITT is really hard and looks good for my conditions.
“For all he has done, it’s obvious that Froome is a step ahead of the rest. But behind him, there are some riders like me, really close to each other. I respect every single one of them, but don’t fear them at all. The race is long, open to different kinds strategies every day, and things change, but our goal on paper is making it onto the podium – I don’t know which spot. It will be a hard race against Sky, but they’re not invincible. There are some hard stages which aren’t necessarily mountain-top finishes – it might happen something as in the last Vuelta a España, decided into a day where anyone was expecting it. Nairo and I are good friends and team-mates – in and out of the races, our relationship is pretty good. We all know his class and quality, and though it’s true he will be debuting in the Tour this year and we must stay calm and let him learn bit by bit, I know he can fight for yellow in the future.”
(Press release and picture : Movistar Team)