Valverde is definitely one of the best athletes that I know of, he is just sounding to incredibly confident going into next season. Just wont let the racing go and he isn't doing it the Adam Hansen-way at 37 years old. Just getting annoyed writing this guy's name, lol. No, I wouldn't be surprised if he was as good as last year which clearly would have been his best year had he not crashed in *** Dusseldorf. Damn, never was I that down due to a sporting event.
Anyways, just dropping by to casually drop a few of my favourite victories of El Don:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YczUgIbP91A&t=1s
His most meaningful win to me since I didnt watch the Vuelta in 03, only in 04 (If I had I would have added the legendary Pandera win). Outsprinting the best Tour de France rider of all time like that is amazing. Plus points for Illes Baleares outfit and Rasmussen owning the first half of this race.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgrX7D0mRqo&t=7s
Amazing strength here and really reminds me of his insane L-B-L win in 2015, controlling the break and winning the sprint. Only this time it looked so much, much more easy for El Don. One of the classics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgPKbCt1DOk
Gilbert 2011-esque explosion and grabbing yellow easily. I remember I was over the moon after some unlucky performances in the Tour, but as it turned out, this was unfortunately much of the same.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcnXcmvO9SA
This is absolute most classic Valverde it gets, maybe along with La Pandera 03. That Vuelta man.. great memories of some of the 3 greatest Spanish riders ever to duel it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhkJ19Ik2uM
One of the most impressive of all his victories. Pretty amazing stuff, Valverde was a monster that day, dropping his own teamleader and easily finishing Purito, Froome and Contador off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRJ_AbHifxc
Incredible win and his most well earned L-B-L.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS48TUOtfr8
The only solo victory on this list. I still get goosebumps watching this, I had never thought.. he didn't breathe. Im glad I got to watch this, but it still saddens me that I will think of this stage and realise he didn't get to show it in TdF or the Vuelta.