Again among the best

Alejandro Valverde is back. His latest results confirm the return of the most competitive version of the Movistar Team cyclist, in top form from Volta to Catalunya (4th), passing through the Gran Premio Miguel Indurain (1st), Itzulia Basque Country (7th), Amstel Gold Race ( 5th) and, this Wednesday, Fleche Wallonne (3rd).

The Murcian took the podium of the race where he has five victories, showing very good legs in the final ascent to Huy, despite starting the climb far from the front. Valverde recovered positions pulling skills, reaching the front zone just in the hardest section of the climb.

At 300 meters from the finish, he tried to follow Alaphilippe, the winner after beating Roglic in the final stretch, but that previous effort in the middle of the climb could prevent him from following the wheel of the reigning world champion, who achieved his third victory in this race .

“Above all I want to thank the team, they did a good job. In the end there were a lot of riders, a lot of danger, then I got in bad positioned, I knew I had to be well positioned but I couldn’t. I had to go through from both sides, a big effort, and well, I did third. I’m happy, but I think I had it in my legs to be further.

“They are very strong, we have to congratulate Julian and Primoz. It’s true that the big effort I had to make to get up there, up to them, is what I needed later. (This result) gives me very good confidence, we know I’m alright and now Liège is different, it’s not all about positioning, it’s the shape, and it’s clear that I’m in a good shape.”

Photo: Bettini Photo