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

[Afrank]

With the rise of Quintana I think that Valverde will come to a point when he simply won't care anymore, attack like a mad men and rides to his true potential. He'll be the most entertaining rider, true to his real great talent.

That would be great to see, I've certainly enjoyed how he has ridden this year. I'm not a big fan of his, but I could grow to like him if he continues to ride like he has been. He's ridden with a lot more panache and seems to be attacking more instead of waiting for the sprint. And he's currently at a all time high in CQ points, so this kind of riding as opposed to his usual style of waiting for the sprint seems to work well for him.


I was thinking a few days ago with Quintana likely targeting the Tour next year, he might change things up and go for Giro-Vuelta. He did say he was considering the Giro early this year. That would be pretty cool to see IMO.

 

[mariposa]

His early stage win while riding for Quintana prior to his Vuelta ending crash, was IMO the most impressive performance of the entire Vuelta. To lead the contenders up a climb, respond to attacks and then just ride everyone off of his wheel for the stage win was amazing.

Such a shame really that Quintana crashed out as that put the pressure back onto Valverde to lead the team. Sure we would have seen more of the above if Quintana had been the one going for the overall with Valverde supporting.
Enjoyed the race though so shouldn't complain and third not a bad result for Valverde.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Valverde doing the Giro-Vuelta would be great to see. He could have a blast of a season, especially if he goes on the offence like he has several times this year.

 

[Nick C.]

If (according to Netserk) Flèche isn't a classic, Valverde hasn't raced any classic in 2014.

I know Liege was a bit drab and not the raciest of races but didn't Valverde finish second?

 

[Angliru]

I know Liege was a bit drab and not the raciest of races but didn't Valverde finish second?

Yep and 4th at Amstel Gold to go with his Fleche Wallone victory. He's a bit of a slacker isn't he?

 

[Red Rick]

For the Dutch people, he is now officially Alejandro Val Derde

 

[BigMac]

For the Dutch people, he is now officially Alejandro Val Derde

Does that have a meaning? If yes, I reckon it's no good.

 

[cineteq]

Valverde is only interested on his palmares. It will look amazing after few years down the road. Only those who saw him ride would know he only rode to make other riders lose, instead of taking a chance and winning a race or GT for himself.

 

[Ferminal]

I actually feel kind of sorry for him, and wouldn't be disappointed if he won.

The stupid ****ing thing though is him and his team thinking they could drop Gerrans on a sand dune or do him in a sprint despite all the pantsings Gerrans has dished out to Valverde recently.

 

[icefire]

Does that have a meaning? If yes, I reckon it's no good.

Alejandro val-3rd

 

[BigMac]

Alejandro val-3rd

oh, Ouch. He's a winner though.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

so another medal to the collection, I think he may have just one more shot left to get the big prize.

Next year in US, can't see him being a factor in the desert.
Norway, too old methinks.

 

[Red Rick]

Does that have a meaning? If yes, I reckon it's no good.

Val Derde= fall third

 

[Red Rick]

Don't think he screwed up actually, he was the best on the final hill, but he couldn't drop Gerrans.

 

[Netserk]

Spain rode like they always do. If they were more like Italy (in the Bettini years), Valverde would've been a (multiple) world champion by now.

 

[jaylew]

2982 CQ points for the year.

So, assuming he does no other races, he needs to win GdL to break the all time CQ record - Gilbert's 3180 from 2011.
Needs to finish 3rd to pass Purito's 3118 from 2112.

 

[SeriousSam]

Another medal but not gold. It probably was his best remaining opportunity.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

2982 CQ points for the year.

So, assuming he does no other races, he needs to win GdL to break the all time CQ record - Gilbert's 3180 from 2011.
Needs to finish 3rd to pass Purito's 3118 from 2112.

Valverde is scheduled to take part in Milano-Torino which will likely end in an uphill sprint.

Insane amount of points in one season.

 

[Angliru]

Valverde is only interested on his palmares. It will look amazing after few years down the road. Only those who saw him ride would know he only rode to make other riders lose, instead of taking a chance and winning a race or GT for himself.

That's really not true. He rode to win. He just has a limited sense of tactics. He's won more races over the course of his career than most of his contemporaries.

 

[cineteq]

That's really not true. He rode to win. He just has a limited sense of tactics. He's won more races over the course of his career than most of his contemporaries.

You confirmed nothing but what I stated before. I wouldn't have minded if Valverde or Gerrans have won if their teams would've controlled the race, like Orica did here in Montreal for Gerrans.

Van Avermaet: "It’s a pity Valverde closed the door on me, otherwise I would have been in the top three for sure"

 

[movingtarget]

That's really not true. He rode to win. He just has a limited sense of tactics. He's won more races over the course of his career than most of his contemporaries.

His tactic was obvious. Don't let Gerrans win and it worked. Without Gilbert chasing they would not have even got as close as they did. Having Gerrans and Valverde in the same chase group was never going to work especially with only a few other riders.

 

[jaylew]

Valverde did a lot of work in the chase, however. He was on the front more than anyone, bar Phil.

 

[jens_attacks]

probably good enough to win another world tour overalls until 2019

 

[Walkman]

Valverde did a lot of work in the chase, however. He was on the front more than anyone, bar Phil.

Phil was the like only guy at the front. piti wasn't doing much. Did a few short pulls, but that's it. Then he cut in front on Van Avermaet han thus effectively stopped him from competing for the second place. He deserve nothing that little sh*t.

 

[Angliru]

Some of the hate here for Valverde goes so deep that it seems to have distorted the ability to see clearly. It's pretty sad.