Exhibition at Jebel Hafeet
The experience is a degree and the wisdom in the legs of Alejandro Valverde a plus that gives triumphs like the one got on Tuesday in the third stage of the UAE Tour, the first WT race of the season for the Movistar Team rider. The world champion was able to regulate himself in the demanding climb to Jebel Hafeet, the top he knew of his triumph last year in the Abu Dhabi Tour, jumping for the group head of the race at the exact moment and attacking before the last and decisive curve, taking a definite advantage over Primoz Roglic; second and David Gaudu; third.
With his victory, Valverde jumps to the second place in the general classification, only 14 seconds behind Roglic. With still four stages ahead, the Murcian rider is the main rival of the Slovenian in the fight for the red jersey. There are still important stages ahead like the end in the Hatta Dam on Wednesday and the arrival at Jebel Jais, on Friday.
Statements: This victory is dedicated to my uncle Diego who died a few days ago. I hope he receives it with great affection. I wanted to get it. It’s hard. I have found good, I have known how to wait, since there was a lot of wind. I knew I had to try to save the legs and attack at the same point last year and that’s what I did. It was very important to know the climb, to have the reference of last year. I want to thank the team for the work they have done throughout the day. For the moment I have achieved a stage victory for which I had a lot of desire. We’ll see if I can fight for the general.
Photo: Bettini Photo