A big farewell

Only a myth of this sport like Alejandro Valverde could close more than two decades as a professional cyclist with a performance as outstanding and competitive as this Saturday in a Monument of the stature and level of Il Lombardia.

He did not win but he did finish sixth in a fantastic representation of Spanish cycling and especially the Movistar Team, as Enric Mas fought to the very finish line with Tadej Pogačar to win the last Monument of the season. Valverde resisted the rhythm of both until the jump of the Slovenian in Civiglio, where only Mas himself and Mikel Landa could follow his wheel.

Statements: “Illusion and sadness for the farewell and for doing it this way at a great level. Very happy, I want to congratulate the whole team that has been phenomenal. We fought hard, Pogacar won but we finished second with Enric, who is doing very well”.

“The joy of having completed 21 years as a professional and having enjoyed a lot getting great triumphs. Now we give way to young people so that they can also enjoy”.

Photo: LaPresse