Teams & Riders He's coming home!!!! Alejandro Valverde comeback thread.

[Blanco]

Looked strong today, pity he didn't profit from that. I think he could've rode better tactically. McNulty was a wheel to follow, not Roglic or Pogacar, they were busy looking at each other, and I have a feeling Bala could've sneak form them with McNulty and others on the false flat after Erlaitz.

 

[Koronin]

Looked strong today, pity he didn't profit from that. I think he could've rode better tactically. McNulty was a wheel to follow, not Roglic or Pogacar, they were busy looking at each other, and I have a feeling Bala could've sneak form them with McNulty and others on the false flat after Erlaitz.

I agree, unfortunately, at this point in his career getting him to be better tactically isn't likely something he can learn. I agree that it was very likely he could have slipped away with McNulty and the others in that group.

 

[Pinot's goat]

Looked strong today, pity he didn't profit from that. I think he could've rode better tactically. McNulty was a wheel to follow, not Roglic or Pogacar, they were busy looking at each other, and I have a feeling Bala could've sneak form them with McNulty and others on the false flat after Erlaitz.

I don't think Pogacar and Roglic would allow any of Landa, Valverde or Yates to go away.

 

[Blanco]

I don't think Pogacar and Roglic would allow any of Landa, Valverde or Yates to go away.

Maybe, but it was worth of trying. Bala has that jump, if Rog and Pog hesitate 10-15 sec he's gone with that group, and their main men were in front. There's literally no one to chase except those two, and they were afraid of each other, especially Roglic.

 

[Red Rick]

Maybe, but it was worth of trying. Bala has that jump, if Rog and Pog hesitate 10-15 sec he's gone with that group, and their main men were in front. There's literally no one to chase except those two, and they were afraid of each other, especially Roglic.

Valverdes jump isn't close to what it used to be still

 

[Tonton]

Not close but still showing the kids...and being less of a threat, he can have more freedom.

 

[Blanco]

Another strong ride, pity he couldn't hold Rogla on Krabelin. He's ready for the Ardennes.

 

[yaco]

Valverde seems to have just about reached his level - He is travelling better than Nibali.

 

[Asero831]

Will he ride Amstel?
It's good to have those kms going in preparation for LBL

 

[Moviestar]

We write the year 2086. COVID has decimated the human race, and the few survivors live in small tribes in what was once Western Europe. Alejandro Valverde explains why this is finally the year he can win the Tour de France.

 

[Blanco]

Will he ride Amstel?
It's good to have those kms going in preparation for LBL

I don't know, but to me it seems like a better idea than doing Valencia like he initially planned.

 

[Mayomaniac]

I don't know, but to me it seems like a better idea than doing Valencia like he initially planned.

Amstel was never really his race, not even at his peak, so I kinda understand him.

 

[Asero831]

But he needs the kilometers to be ready for LBL. When was the last time he did 250km?

 

[Koronin]

Will he ride Amstel?
It's good to have those kms going in preparation for LBL

He's racing Valencia then Fleche Wallone, then LBL.

I think part of why he's racing Valencia is he prefers it to Amstel plus he's made promises to the Spanish race organizers to race as many races in Spain as he can.

 

[Blanco]

Amstel was never really his race, not even at his peak, so I kinda understand him.

Yeah not really his kind of race, but he was close to winning it couple of times, even on the new course he was probably the strongest one in 2018. But nevertheless, I think it's better doing 250 km race instead of five-day stage race ahead of his favorite double.

 

[Salvarani]

Another strong ride, pity he couldn't hold Rogla on Krabelin. He's ready for the Ardennes.

Only 200-300m more... a shame he couldnt hold on.

Solid race and he is in good form. Happy to see it, especially if this truly is his last season. That he is competitive. Not just riding along.

 

[CyclistAbi]

As always some great racing on Itzulia Basque Country 2021!

 

[Fernandez]

He has an oportunity on winning Valencia instead of basically no chances in Amstel

 

[Moviestar]

Yeah not really his kind of race, but he was close to winning it couple of times, even on the new course he was probably the strongest one in 2018. But nevertheless, I think it's better doing 250 km race instead of five-day stage race ahead of his favorite double.

They have another new course this year. It will be 16 times a circuit of 17km with the Geulhemmerberg, Bemelerberg and the Cauberg, but in the last lap the Cauberg isn't included which isn't favorable for Valverde anyhow.

 

[Bertram Wooster]

Only Spanish races after LBL? Mallorca, Andalucia, Murcia? No Switzerland, Dauphiné or Tour?

 

[tobydawq]

Only Spanish races after LBL? Mallorca, Andalucia, Murcia? No Switzerland, Dauphiné or Tour?

There will be a Japanese race.

 

[Bertram Wooster]

Yes, of course, but that's two months later (at least, could be a year and two months later as well.)

In between Mallorca, Andalucía, Murcia and Tokyo no more races?

 

[tobydawq]

Yes, of course, but that's two months later (at least, could be a year and two months later as well.)

In between Mallorca, Andalucía, Murcia and Tokyo no more races?

Nobody ever really knows his plans months in advance. I wouldn't be surprised if he rides Occitanie, for example, in June even if Dauphiné or TdS would make more sense. I can't imagine he takes a full two-month break.

 

[Asero831]

He is riding Amstel. Told you

 

[Bertram Wooster]

Nobody ever really knows his plans months in advance.

Yes, that's true. Some cyclists (Fuglsang, Pog) or teams (JL for instance) have their schedule ready many months in advance. Some (Valverde, Ineos, DQS) only a week (or 2) ahead.