A different Tour de France for Alejandro Valverde

For the first time since his debut in the Tour de France, Alejandro Valverde will participate in this race without the pressure of a good overall. ‘Bala’ will focus on fighting for a stage win and helping the Colombian Nairo Quintana in his challenge to wear the yellow jersey on the podium in Paris. “We will go to the Tour in order to support Nairo Quintana. I want to make it clear, from this very moment, that I will be losing time on the first week and take things easier so I can help Nairo out and give my best in the mountains”.

“Also, if it’s possible and it doesn’t compromise the team’s goals, I’d like to chase some stage wins or make it into the break and help the team from there. Our motto for the Tour remains winning the Tour with Nairo at last, and then, the Rio Games”.

This is the ninth Tour de France for Valverde, who got a remarkable third place last year. His record includes three stage wins (’05, ’08 and ’12) and a yellow jersey in the 2008 edition. This year he will be part of a powerful Movistar Team with Nairo Quintana, Winner Anacona, Ion and Gorka Izaguirre, Jesus Herrada, Daniel Moreno, Imanol Erviti and Nelson Oliveira.