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

[joe_papp]

Well, our Valverde 3rd today in Clásica San Sebastián. That was painful to watch the d*cking around on the descent. Purito opening up on Valv and refusing to close the gap to the four riders ahead of them was annoying.

Then Yates failing to realize he'd even won...wtf? Was he going for Ninja points or something? Piti would never have made such a mistake (nor would Zubeldia have made the mistake of /winning/ if he was trying to be ninjaesque, if i understand correctly).

Anyway...Valv still #1 in WT rankings, right?

 

[Arredondo]

Well, our Valverde 3rd today in Clásica San Sebastián. That was painful to watch the d*cking around on the descent. Purito opening up on Valv and refusing to close the gap to the four riders ahead of them was annoying.

Then Yates failing to realize he'd even won...wtf? Was he going for Ninja points or something? Piti would never have made such a mistake (nor would Zubeldia have made the mistake of /winning/ if he was trying to be ninjaesque, if i understand correctly).

Anyway...Valv still #1 in WT rankings, right?

Annoying from who?

 

[joe_papp]

Well, our Valverde 3rd today in Clásica San Sebastián. That was painful to watch the d*cking around on the descent. Purito opening up on Valv and refusing to close the gap to the four riders ahead of them was annoying.

Then Yates failing to realize he'd even won...wtf? Was he going for Ninja points or something? Piti would never have made such a mistake (nor would Zubeldia have made the mistake of /winning/ if he was trying to be ninjaesque, if i understand correctly).

Anyway...Valv still #1 in WT rankings, right?

Annoying from who?

Annoying to me.

 

[elfed68]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

 

[Valv.Piti]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented, but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

 

[gunara]

We've seen and we've talked about Evans retiring, Samu disappearing, Rodriguez declining, Contador looking at an end etc. etc., but how about this guy? Not even any sign from Don Alejandro?

 

[elfed68]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented, but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

Surely he deserves to be WC before he retires, does the Richmond course favour his talents?

 

[Billie]

Surely he deserves to be WC before he retires, does the Richmond course favour his talents?

Hard to create a WC course that doesn't suit him.

 

[Fernandez]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented[/color], but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

I would say that Valverde is one of the most talented riders ever.

 

[bala v]

Yeah, God was really generous to him in terms of talent

 

[Carols]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented[/color], but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

I would say that Valverde is one of the most talented riders ever.

I would agree!!

 

[ILovecycling]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented, but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

Surely he deserves to be WC before he retires, does the Richmond course favour his talents?

No he does not. Just go and play yourself in one day all of his medal WC races and you will understand.
(and Im not even talking about those wheelsucka LBL wins etc)

 

[Valv.Piti]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented, but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

Surely he deserves to be WC before he retires, does the Richmond course favour his talents?

No he does not. Just go and play yourself in one day all of his medal WC races and you will understand.
(and Im not even talking about those wheelsucka LBL wins etc)

Valv's win in this year's L-B-L was a masterpiece, nothing else. Painting a picture of Gerrans on top of Valv simply isnt true. This guy plays to his strentgh, but isnt afraid to attack, either.

 

[greenedge]

Re:

The only guy who is capable of beating Valverde in a sprint in a hilly race crashed countless times this season and is a non factor.

Whenever Gerrans has a bad season he bounces back the next year better than ever

 

[joe_papp]

Writing in an article published via PEZ today, respected Scottish cycling journalist Ed Hood stood up for Valverde both in general, and w/r/t to what he & Quintana accomplished together at the Tour:

"I don’t get it with Valverde, the Anglo Media has picked him out as the scapegoat for the sins of an era. It seems a tearful ‘mea culpa’ means you’re a good guy – serving your time quietly then coming back and continuing to win means that you’re a ‘dodgy Spanish doper.’ Valverde has been a pro since 2003, when he won 10 races; he continues to win from February until October, every year – that’s not doping, that’s class. And despite the best efforts of the Media to tell us that there’d be friction between Valverde and Quintana, they worked beautifully together to take two of the three available podium spots and lead the winning team.

Respect and like the Good Book says; ‘let he who is without sin cast the first stone.’"

Full article: http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/tourdefrance/tour15-roadside-eds-look-back/#.VcAxTfNVhBc

 

[SeriousSam]

The Anglo media are obsessed with phony, self interested repentance a la Millar. Valverde didn't provide it.

 

[Fernandez]

Cyclingnews also seems to not like Valverde at all.

 

[TMP402]

Re:

The Anglo media are obsessed with phony, self interested repentance a la Millar. Valverde didn't provide it.

He never apologised and the Spanish authorities acted pettily when he was caught. I can't blame anyone who doesn't like him.

 

[Mr.White]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented, but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

Surely he deserves to be WC before he retires, does the Richmond course favour his talents?

No he does not. Just go and play yourself in one day all of his medal WC races and you will understand.
(and Im not even talking about those wheelsucka LBL wins etc)

I watched them all, couple of times, I'm missing your point, would you explain please?

As for the LBL "wheelsucking" wins, I just have to laugh at that! Try to win it, not 3 times, try once, than talk!!!
Or better, let Quintana or Contador to win it in "great style", and than comment on wins of greatest Ardennes classics rider in last 20-30 years!

 

[Arredondo]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented, but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

Surely he deserves to be WC before he retires, does the Richmond course favour his talents?

No he does not. Just go and play yourself in one day all of his medal WC races and you will understand.
(and Im not even talking about those wheelsucka LBL wins etc)

I watched them all, couple of times, I'm missing your point, would you explain please?

As for the LBL "wheelsucking" wins, I just have to laugh at that! Try to win it, not 3 times, try once, than talk!!!
Or better, let Quintana or Contador to win it in "great style", and than comment on wins of greatest Ardennes classics rider in last 20-30 years!

Moreno Argentin, Paolo Bettini, Michele Bartoli. Just some names who are in the mix to be called greatest Ardennes classics rider of the last 30 years. Argentin even won more FW and LBL then Valverde.

He's up there, but he isn't greater then someone like Argentin.

 

[jaylew]

Re: Re:

The Anglo media are obsessed with phony, self interested repentance a la Millar. Valverde didn't provide it.

He never apologised and the Spanish authorities acted pettily when he was caught. I can't blame anyone who doesn't like him.

We're getting dangerously close to clinic territory here but why would you even want someone to apologize? They're only doing it because they got caught, which means absolutely nothing as it's just a show. Frankly, I'd rather they just kept a low profile, did their time, and not do it again rather than lie. Though maybe some people consider part of the punishment to be making the rounds, saying "I'm sorry."

 

[TMP402]

Re: Re:

The Anglo media are obsessed with phony, self interested repentance a la Millar. Valverde didn't provide it.

He never apologised and the Spanish authorities acted pettily when he was caught. I can't blame anyone who doesn't like him.

We're getting dangerously close to clinic territory here but why would you even want someone to apologize? They're only doing it because they got caught, which means absolutely nothing as it's just a show. Frankly, I'd rather they just kept a low profile, did their time, and not do it again rather than lie. Though maybe some people consider part of the punishment to be making the rounds, saying "I'm sorry."

Taking the punishment and saying nothing is literally omerta. Not apologising is defiance, as if he was in his view in the right.

 

[thehook]

Say what you want about his comeback and his non-apology/confession.

Bala wins Races! All Season Long!

 

[ILovecycling]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented, but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

Surely he deserves to be WC before he retires, does the Richmond course favour his talents?

No he does not. Just go and play yourself in one day all of his medal WC races and you will understand.
(and Im not even talking about those wheelsucka LBL wins etc)

I watched them all, couple of times, I'm missing your point, would you explain please?

As for the LBL "wheelsucking" wins, I just have to laugh at that! Try to win it, not 3 times, try once, than talk!!!
Or better, let Quintana or Contador to win it in "great style", and than comment on wins of greatest Ardennes classics rider in last 20-30 years!

easy man...
I think there is nothing to explain, he lost couple of them because he wasnt active enough and rode for 2nd or 3rd place, thats why I dont think he really 'deserves it'.As for LBL's these are best examples of his style, for example his 2008 win or even this years (altought he was probably the strongest), he just wheelscuked his way to win - ok somebody calls this 'playing to his strengts'.Well, fair enough, but I just dont like this style, nothing else.

The last par of your post is hillarious.I would never say something like this about Quintana or Contador, if you would have followed this forum more you would know my opinion about Contador and classics.

 

[bala v]

Valverde has to be one of the greatest riders of our generation, surely if he'd have been around before the days of the specialists he'd be up there with the greatest, whatever the race he podiums!!

Argued this many times over on another forum. Strictly looking at his palmares, there is no doubt that he is the best rider of this generation. Its just that sublime. Not just his wins, but his outstanding amounts of secondary placings (its just insane...) as well and his ability (and will) to race from early february-WC/Lombardia every god damn year. If you look at his last 10 seasons or something like that on CQ and divided the placings with 10, you'll find something ridicolous like 3,5 or something like that. That's way, way, way beyond everybody else. Thats just unheard of in this era.The only one close to Valverde is Contador who you could make a case for due to his amount of GT wins, but also numerous wins in shorter stage races. Then it goes like Boonen, Cancellara, Gilbert, Evans etc.

Valv may not be the most talented, but will most likely go down (for hardcore cycling fans since Contador is quite the more known rider among casuals) as this generations best, most complete rider. He has simply been a joy to follow after his comeback. I cant believe he finally got that podium - now he only lacks that eluded WC, and he is good to go. At this point, if nothing unexpected happens, he will for sure win the World Tour and the Velo d'Or

Surely he deserves to be WC before he retires, does the Richmond course favour his talents?

No he does not. Just go and play yourself in one day all of his medal WC races and you will understand.
(and Im not even talking about those wheelsucka LBL wins etc)

Moreno Argentin, Paolo Bettini, Michele Bartoli. Just some names who are in the mix to be called greatest Ardennes classics rider of the last 30 years. Argentin even won more FW and LBL then Valverde.

He's up there, but he isn't greater then someone like Argentin.

He's better than Bettini and Bartoli in the Ardennes races, that's for sure, you can check their records. Moreno Argentin, well in my book, he's not better than Valverde either, I would call them equal. Argentin have 1 Liege win more, but Valverde have more podium placings, and if we include AGR in the mix he might be even better than Argentin. Only rider who I would rank above Valverde in these races is the Cannibal himself!