Another good time trial in the Alps

Without the pressure of fighting for a good overall, Alejandro Valverde finished twelfth in the individual time trial of the 18th stage of the Tour de France, a hard route between Sallanches and Megeve, where the yellow jersey Chris Froome (Team Sky) got the triumph. The Spaniard is now eighth in the overall, 6’37” behind the first position.

Now Valverde will try to contribute as much as possible in the fight of his fellow Nairo Quintana for the podium of the Tour, with just two demanding days in the Alps ahead. The Colombian is fourth, less than a minute behind the Dutch Bauke Mollema (Trek) and the Australian Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange).

Quotes: “At the end I tried to do my best. I’m not fighting for the general. I climbed regulating, very strong but without choking. There are two very hard stages ahead and I will try to do my best. It is clear that it is very difficult to win the Tour with Quintana. I feel good and we all know which is my next goal. It is difficult to find a stage win because I have lost time in the general”.

Photo: Movistar Team