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

[Netserk]

He did fine in Dwars door Vlaanderen and that was his first cobble race ever.

No he didn't. He was in third or second position on a climb far from the finish, and when things started to happen, he was nowhere.

 

[Angliru]

About half as much as 2nd places...

Even when he wins impressively in an uncharacteristic manner we get the negative posts. You're a bit of a nit-picker. I would like to know how many riders get more victories than podiums or non placements over the course of a season.
Valverde gets a bad rap here from many on cn. I think that the b.s. about him being just as happy with 2nd and/or 3rd as an actual victory is ludicrous. The hate gets tiresome.

 

[Red Rick]

Valverde would be super awesome if he could be brainwashed into thinking WT races, monuments and GT's were 2.1 races or lower

 

[Angliru]

No he didn't. He was in third or second position on a climb far from the finish, and when things started to happen, he was nowhere.

I recall he was part of small chase group with quality seasoned classic vets that got fairly close to reeling in Terpstra and ultimately finished with same time as the rest of the peloton after Terpstra's solo win. Had he not expended energy in the chase group he likely would've been in the mix for the pack sprint. Good job for his first cobbled semi-classic. Being active and playing a positive part in how the race unfolded rather than just sitting in should be lauded IMO.

 

[cineteq]

Valverde would be super awesome if he could be brainwashed into thinking WT races, monuments and GT's were 2.1 races or lower

Yeah if he could only believe he can do it against the big boys...

 

[bala v]

Very good ride today, legs failed in the finale, but overall very good and aggressive race. Looks promising for the Ardennes

 

[GuyIncognito]

Maybe his quality just makes me expect too much, but so far this season he's looking like he's slightly worse, as you'd expect at this age

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Maybe his quality just makes me expect too much, but so far this season he's looking like he's slightly worse, as you'd expect at this age

The Challenge Mallorca win was a dominant performance, though.

 

[Arredondo]

The Challenge Mallorca win was a dominant performance, though.

That was the Challenge Mallorca.

I think he will be highly regular again all season, with the difference he won't win a classic this year.

 

[jens_attacks]

too skinny in such an uphill sprint on cobbles. no chance whatsoever
overall still superb performance of course, i liked the way he rode

 

[phanatic]

Maybe his quality just makes me expect too much, but so far this season he's looking like he's slightly worse, as you'd expect at this age

I thought, during the race, that if wins, he'd have to be better than last year, as he really did a lot of work today. All that work was likely to secure the podium, while having a chance at the victory. It didn't work out, but same old Valverde. He should be strong for the Ardennes again.

 

[lemon cheese cake]

too skinny in such an uphill sprint on cobbles. no chance whatsoever
overall still superb performance of course, i liked the way he rode

Plus he positioned himself on the front for the climb up to the finish, and its an unwritten rule that you cant attack off the front.

 

[manafana]

Valverde is looking his age now more suited to longer climbs and not so much the multiple efforts needed today

 

[greenedge]

I think he rode superbly and it just shows his consistency and general ability to ride so many races, across different terrains and still compete for the win.

 

[Kwibus]

http://http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/valverde-runs-out-of-steam-in-strade-bianche-finale

Nice words from Valverde about his opponents, but also a very realistic view on the race.
He rode aggressive to entertain us and well you sure did bala.

Hope we will see more of this style from you.

 

[nepetalactone]

He rode aggressive to entertain us and well you sure did bala.

Hope we will see more of this style from you.

Credit where due. Never been a fan ov Valverde, but he definitely helped make the race great yeasterday!

 

[Beacon Hill]

Credit where due. Never been a fan ov Valverde, but he definitely helped make the race great yeasterday!

Agreed. Never been a fan of his at all but he earned my grudging respect for helping to make the race exciting. Hope it continues

 

[Angliru]

Plus he positioned himself on the front for the climb up to the finish, and its an unwritten rule that you cant attack off the front.

Unless you're a certain Sky rider.

 

[SeriousSam]

Is that an unwritten rule? If the difference in strength is like it was in the race, it really doesn't matter at all where you start the attack. That matters only when your strength is close to the opponent's
That's also why a certain Sky rider can just ride off the front. He is simply much stronger.
-

I felt Valverde did too much work but Stybar, who didn't work much less, was simply too strong. Shame, I really want Valverde to win this race.

 

[bala v]

Is that an unwritten rule? If the difference in strength is like it was in the race, it really doesn't matter at all where you start the attack. That matters only when your strength is close to the opponent's
That's also why a certain Sky rider can just ride off the front. He is simply much stronger.
-

I felt Valverde did too much work but Stybar, who didn't work much less, was simply too strong. Shame, I really want Valverde to win this race.

Yeah, one day he is simply much stronger, the day before he was slightly weaker

 

[MBotero]

He helped making the race entertaining but imo he could have won it with his usual approach.Anyway,he worked hard,huge respect.

 

[Asero831]

Another solid race from Bala. He can create damage this Sunday

 

[jaylew]

Re:

Another solid race from Bala. He can create damage this Sunday

Yes, as usual very agressive in non-monument one days, though I'm thinking that may change this year.

 

[SeriousSam]

 

[nobilis]

Spectacular Balaverde today! Nuclear Holocaust!
He was the one who initiated the echelons, then reduced the lead group and always at the front then took advantage of the hesitations and the unwillingness to work from contador and the rest. Great tactician.
I can't wait to hear what the valverde haters here have to say about him today.