Less than ten words to close it once and for all: «2022 will be my last year, no matter what happens».There's little you can do, though, when Valverde talks about retirement, there's always someone who nudges you. A bit like when you talk about Rebellin, but ten years younger. Movistar closed the first retreat in Pamplona and this time the Murcian cut short with a serenity never seen before.
«Let's be clear – Alejandro told the Spanish Marca – Lombardy ended up that way because Pogacar had the intuition to anticipate, but I didn't feel inferior to anyoneI'm not quitting because I think I can't do it anymore, but because I'm 42 and I've won everything. Being a professional is very demanding, it requires a lot of sacrifices. And it's probably time to take care of myself and my body."
Environment first
His fans smiled seeing him with the hoe in his hand, while planting a holm oak (opening photo). In the first days of November, in fact, Movistar participated in the planting of a thousand trees in the desolate area of Sanguesa, involving Unzué and some of the most representative riders: Valverde in the lead, Mas, Lourdes Oyarbide and Sara Martin.
The operation was also carried out with the sponsorship of Volvo, which supplies the team's flagship carsThe thousand plants should neutralize about 200 tons of carbon dioxide over the next 40 years. And this would allow Movistar to offset the 176 tons of carbon emissions produced in 2019, thanks to the calculation carried out by Volvo and recognized by the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
From Belgium to the Giro
The program already drawn up is very respectable. Giro, Vuelta and no TourAlthough with his usual generosity, he says that if the team asked, he might consider it: "But only to help. Normally, I'm not interested in doing so. The Giro, on the other hand, fascinated me in 2016, for the affection of the fans and the scenery. And the Vuelta... is the Vuelta. There will be a stop near Murcia and they say it will be designed the way I like it. It would be a nice way to say goodbye."
He will pass through these parts already in March, for the Strade Bianche, after the debut in Mallorca, then Valencia, Murcia and Andalucia.
«After this first block – he explains – I will catch my breath and decide whether to go to Catalonia or the Basque Country preparing the Flèche Wallonne and the LiègeThe Amstel is a must-see. They are difficult, tough, and unpredictable races. In Liège (won four times, ed.), for example, you have to always be focused because from a certain point on, any move can be the right one. In Flèche Wallonne (won five times, ed.) you can't make a single mistake, because the Mur d'Huy is unforgiving..."
At the 2016 Giro d'Italia he won the Andalo stage of the Giro, beating Kruijswijk, on the eve of Nibali's… awakening. On the podium he finished in third place, behind Chaves and the formidable Nibali who in two days turned everything around
At the 2016 Giro he won the Andalo stage, beating Kruijswijk in pink On the podium he finished in third place, behind Chaves and the formidable Nibali
Heir wanted
Meanwhile, Movistar is studying. After the technical revolution that saw Arrieta's departure , separation from Miguel Angel Lopez, the Spanish team is looking for new references. The present talks about Enric Mas and Ivan SosaThe first comes from second place in the Vuelta and sixth in the Tour. The second comes from the Ineos Grenadiers team after three up-and-down seasons. While we wait to see if someone from the young generation can emerge who will not make us miss the old Murcian, they will be the men to bet on.
«Enric Mas – says Valverde, speaking almost like a manager – seems much more experienced and confident. I think he's making significant strides little by little.He'll definitely do well. As for Sosa, we have high expectations for him. He has a lot of qualities. He won twice in Burgos and in 2019 he almost prevented me from winning in Occitania. He'll do well. Sosa is ready to lead the team».
The 2017 edition was his fifth Flèche Wallonne, an unbeaten record. In 2021 he was third. That same year, he won his fourth Liège. He dedicated it to Scarponi, who had recently passed away.
The 2017 edition was his fifth Flèche Wallonne, an unbeaten record. In 2021 he was third. That same year, he won his fourth Liège. He dedicated it to Scarponi, who had recently passed away.
If there is health…
Alejandro, whose youth team we recently told, he closes with a wink to himself. Admitting that quit by choice and not because he no longer feels able to cope.
“I’m no worse than in other seasons,” he says, “but certainly better than in 2020. Given everything that happened in the world, that was a strange year, especially for me. We finished the Vuelta on November 8th and immediately started training again for 2021. Last season was also a particular one, with signs of a good Valverde (three victories and seven podiums for him, ed.), but far from the best. This winter I took a month off And now I've started again regularly and without wanting to push things. I'm happy with the way I'm approaching my debut. With joy, ambition and tranquilityIf my health is good, it will certainly be a good year."
