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

[Ilmaestro99]

He had problems with sickness and allergies in Catalunya. But even without that, he would have taken a break before Flèche. Itzulia was never part of his schedule, I think. Without any race between Catalunya and Flèche, it's hard to guess where he stands form-wise, but I think if he has overcome his health issues, he should be in good shape.

Yes. Usually if he does Catalunya he doesn't like to race itzulia before ardennes because it prevents him from preparing properly. Usually he would do something like gp indurain between Catalunya and Fleche/amstel but probably illness this year meant better not to.

It's funny that his best ardennes performance in 2017 came after racing *(and winning) both Catalunya and itzulia, even though he said he doesn't like to do both.

 

[Red Rick]

Yes. Usually if he does Catalunya he doesn't like to race itzulia before ardennes because it prevents him from preparing properly. Usually he would do something like gp indurain between Catalunya and Fleche/amstel but probably illness this year meant better not to.

It's funny that his best ardennes performance in 2017 came after racing *(and winning) both Catalunya and itzulia, even though he said he doesn't like to do both.

His best Ardennes were in 2015?

But I do think not all Ardennes specialists love to go for GC in Itzulia because it's actually a little too hard for that purpose. Especially if you aim to be good from Amstel to Liege.

 

[yaco]

Thought this was the one bigger race that Valverde could win in 2022 but this must be in doubt with his illness.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

His best Ardennes were in 2015?

But I do think not all Ardennes specialists love to go for GC in Itzulia because it's actually a little too hard for that purpose. Especially if you aim to be good from Amstel to Liege.

On 2017 he made Dan Martin at his absolute peak look like an Amateur in Liege

In 2015 he barely beat a 22yo who wasted energy in an attack, and rui costa

 

[Valv.Piti]

I think he had that invincible aura in the spring of 2017, so I'd definitely say he was at his best that season. Everything seemed to easy for him and he had that extra gear where he'd just finish off races, kinda similar to Gilbert.

 

[Blanco]

On 2017 he made Dan Martin at his absolute peak look like an Amateur in Liege

In 2015 he barely beat a 22yo who wasted energy in an attack, and rui costa

I agree that he was a bit stronger in 2017, but in 2015 he was also very strong. If you remember he was put under big pressure by Purito's Katusha team. He had huge dig to close Dani Moreno, then took a breathe for a couple of seconds, and then outsprint Ala, Purito, Costa and co. And it was more than a bike length, I wouldn't call that barely.
Then we have 2006 also, one more Ardennes double...

 

[Ilmaestro99]

I agree that he was a bit stronger in 2017, but in 2015 he was also very strong. If you remember he was put under big pressure by Purito's Katusha team. He had huge dig to close Dani Moreno, then took a breathe for a couple of seconds, and then outsprint Ala, Purito, Costa and co. And it was more than a bike length, I wouldn't call that barely.
Then we have 2006 also, one more Ardennes double...

I was exaggerating slightly to prove my point. Don't tell Red Rick this.

I'll never forget that finale, because I was so pumped that either Moreno or Purito were gonna take the big win. I briefly hated Valverde for that.

 

[Asero831]

Is he back on the road?

 

[Red Rick]

Don't tell Red Rick this.

Don't worry I won't

 

[Blanco]

Not bad for an old man

 

[SHAD0W93]

Not bad for an old man

Maybe could have had the extra juice if he was behind Mas the whole time instead of having to ride up.

 

[Amazinmets87]

A podium at Liege would be a great swan song.

 

[Koronin]

Maybe could have had the extra juice if he was behind Mas the whole time instead of having to ride up.

That wall is too steep for any help being behind someone. There's a reason he's won from leading up that climb in the past. To me it's more he's showing his age. 5 years ago he wins that sprint.

 

[SHAD0W93]

That wall is too steep for any help being behind someone. There's a reason he's won from leading up that climb in the past. To me it's more he's showing his age. 5 years ago he wins that sprint.

Yes but I mean when he rode up to get second wheel. If he was on it from the start then he wouldn’t have spent the energy to sprint up to him. And yes, younger Valverde wins which shows his consistency.

 

[Koronin]

Yes but I mean when he rode up to get second wheel. If he was on it from the start then he wouldn’t have spent the energy to sprint up to him. And yes, younger Valverde wins which shows his consistency.

Possibly, but I'm not sure that energy makes much difference at the end. I really think it's more age at this point. I agree, the fact at 41 he finishes second, while at 36 or 37 he wins this sprint shows how insane his consistency still is.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Possibly, but I'm not sure that energy makes much difference at the end. I really think it's more age at this point. I agree, the fact at 41 he finishes second, while at 36 or 37 he wins this sprint shows how insane his consistency still is.

Maybe it mattered a little bit everything adds up the older we get. Hopefully this year doesn’t go like Contador’s last when he was just right there but no cigar.

 

[Cookster15]

Not bad for an old man

AV’s longevity is incredible. At least Horner didn’t come to Europe until he was well into his 30’s. But Valverde turned pro when I remember watching Armstrong beat Beloki in 2002!

 

[Nick2413]

The most amazing part about still being so strong at his age is that these short punchy efforts should be the first thing to go. Even more than sprinting arguably.

I was curious and did some rudimentary research and it actually appears that 2-4 minute efforts have the youngest athletes setting records while sprinters are a solid few years older and long distance much older. In running, track cycling, and swimming at least.

 

[Amazinmets87]

The most amazing part about still being so strong at his age is that these short punchy efforts should be the first thing to go. Even more than sprinting arguably.

I was curious and did some rudimentary research and it actually appears that 2-4 minute efforts have the youngest athletes setting records while sprinters are a solid few years older and long distance much older. In running, track cycling, and swimming at least.

This is well known.

 

[gregrowlerson]

For all of our joking (which shall continue), this man is a legend. Would be lovely to see him win LBL one more time.

 

[Velolover2]

The most amazing part about still being so strong at his age is that these short punchy efforts should be the first thing to go. Even more than sprinting arguably.

I was curious and did some rudimentary research and it actually appears that 2-4 minute efforts have the youngest athletes setting records while sprinters are a solid few years older and long distance much older. In running, track cycling, and swimming at least.

I actually came to the opposite conclusion. The "acid bath efforts" of 2-5 minutes in pain is something that should be perfect for the older rider.

The murito in general is better for an older guy than a fast MTF.

Evans could still handle those even when his climbing form disappeared. Purito won the Mur De Huy stage at 36.

If we are taking punchy 20-30 seconds accelerations on (really) short hills.. I think those will be the first to go.

 

[tobydawq]

Giro in the bag.

 

[Netserk]

Only a few days away from never having to see him race in the Ardennes again! Celebrations start Monday.

 

[Kaptain Kool]

Giro in the bag.

Bala should ride the Tour instead. He took 5 seconds out of Pogacar in just 1.3 km. Extrapolate that to 3,000 km and it's a victory by almost 200 minutes!

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Only a few days away from never having to see him race in the Ardennes again! Celebrations start Monday.

He will come back for 1 more season just to spite you