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One for the team

One for the team

He never tires of making history and achieve prestigious victories in the best competitions in the world. Alejandro Valverde added his second win of the season in the sixth stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné after finishing off the fantastic work of all his teammates from Movistar Team at the finish line of Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse.

Valverde measured the distance to attack in the final meters and overtake the British Tao Geoghegan Hart (INEOS), who had jumped within the last kilometer. In this way, the Murcian became the oldest stage winner in the long-lived French race.

Alejandro had words of thanks for his entire team, that took command of the race in the decisive phase of a 167-kilometer stage with four second and third category climbs concentrated in the final part. He had a special mention to the Colombian Miguel Ángel López who, after attacking twice, did not hesitate to set the pace in the approach to the sprint.

Quotes: “I’m so, so happy. Before anything, I have to mention, and congratulate and thank my team-mates, for all the work they’ve done for the past few days, ever since the start of the race and even more so today. Close to the Line, López told me on the radio: ‘Should I push, so no one can attack?’ I told him to go ahead – and I have to thank him especially for that, because he was incredible. INEOS put on a big pace before the sprint, but as soon as Geraint Thomas stopped pushing, I knew I couldn’t hesitate: I had to go full-gas to cover that move from Tao. I tried to keep him close, and as soon as I saw the finishing banner, I well on full steam. A special victory? Every single one I get is special, even more so now – being up there with the best, contesting these victory, is even more beautiful after everything I’ve done as a pro. The GC? Well, we’ve got Miguel Ángel and Enric, who have shown to be really strong so far, and there’s two big mountain stages ahead where any of them can aim at the top spots.”

Photo: Dario Belingheri / Bettini Photo