Truly disgusting how the UCI conspired against Movistar to prevent even the possibility of Valverde taking the red jersey during stage 19. No way to explain it other than the UCI being desperate to prevent someone as old and "controversial" as Valverde (even though he's the reigning WC) from winning a GT ahead of fresh-faced young stars like
Roglic, Pogačar. or even a fading MAL.
At least Valverde ensured his podium and runner-up status with such an intuitive, courageous effort in the final 3km today.
Frankly, I can't say that it doesn't please me to see Quintana ejected from the podium, and the white jersey mercilessly stripped from López's back. The insults MAL hurled at Valverde and Movistar yesterday, plus Quintana's generally-treasonous riding, were reprehensible. López being reduced to begging forgiveness for his angry attacks at Valverde and Movistar via Twitter was just deserts.
Valverde seems like he's truly the greatest consistent results-producer of his generation and we're fortunate as fans to have had such a noble champion to root for. A consummate professional, capable of winning races and satisfying his sponsors all season long ... admirable.