Sixth in Il Lombardia

Alejandro Valverde has proved throughout this 2016 season his regularity and competitiveness. After more than 90 days of competition and several weeks of rest after finishing his third Grand Tour of the year, the Movistar Team rider was able to fight with the best in the very tough test which is Il Lombardia, fifth monument of the season, a race that this time added two difficult climbs as Sant’Antonio Abbandonato and Miragolo San Salvatore to his already demanding course.

Valverde was looking forward to the decisive break of the day, and he attacked with his partner Giovanni Visconti when a dangerous group was leaving ahead with Esteban Chaves, Fabio Aru, Rigoberto Uran or Romain Bardet. A group with 17 riders who fought for the win in one of the last major competitions of the season.

Near Bergamo, on the climb to Selvino, Chaves selected the group and attacked with his compatriot Uran and French Bardet. Shortly afterwards, the italian Diego Rosa catched them. Valverde, who took the responsibility to pursue the escapees with Visconti, ended in a remarkable sixth place that assured the victory of his team in the World Tour ranking.

Photo: Movistar Team