Classics of the Ardennes

The month of April arrives with three of the main objectives of Alejandro Valverde each season: the Classics of the Ardennes. They are three historical events, included in the World Tour calendar, where the Movistar Team cyclist has been a main actor during the last decade.

Amstel Gold Race opens the triptych this Sunday with its traditional route full of climbs and tricks around Maastricht and Valkenburg (The Netherlands). Although the Cauberg is not anymore the finish of the race, it is still the most recognized climb of a race where Valverde has two second places and a third.

The Movistar Team cyclist has better record in Fleche Wallonne, ??a race that takes place next Wednesday with the Mur de Huy and its incredible ramps as last climb of the day. Bala accumulates nothing less than five wins in a competition that has won in the last four years. This is why he will start as the main wheel to watch over by all the favorites to win.

The week concludes with Liege Bastogne Liège, the dean of the international calendar, which this season celebrates its 104th edition. Valverde aspires to equal the record of victories of Eddy Merckx, the only cyclist who has won five times in this historic race, one of the five Monuments. To win, he must be the strongest in a complicated journey with steps through Rosier, La Redoute, La Roche aux Façons or the final climb to Sint-Niklaas before arriving to Ans.

Photo: Movistar Team