Alejandro Valverde wins Spanish national title: The feelings ahead of the Tour are really good
Jun 30 2019 11:02 pm CET
Photo of Alejandro Valverde © Mary Cárdenas / CyclingPub.com
Alejandro Valverde has taken his third Spanish national title at the 2019 championships in his home region of Murcia. The rider of Movistar crossed the finish line ahead of Luis Leon Sanchez.
The road race of the national championships of Spain was 194.9 kilometres long between Los Alcazares and Murcia, the home city of Valverde. The breakaway of the day was formed at around 100 kilometres from the finish line but the rhythm of Movistar managed to reel it back in just before the last climb of the day,
There Valverde and Astana's Luis Leon Sanchez followed the attack of Jesus Herrada (Cofidis) and eventually left him behind. The two riders fought for the victory and the World Champion had the better sprint in the final metres of the race, taking as such his 126th victory as a professional and the fourth of the season.
"It was a very hard race with continuous attacks from the beginning and a breakaway that was finally formed in the Cresta del Gallo," said Valverde at the finish line. "Gorka (Izagirre) was very strong and that forced us to take responsibility in the peloton and pull very hard. All the team did a great work and when you work like that you have to top it off, and I want to thank all my teammates.
"I arrived with Luisle, who is a very good friend of mine, and I'm sorry that this time he couldn't get the title. It is also a shame that the jersey can't be enjoyed for now but I couldn't let this victory pass. I am very happy about winning in my city and the feelings ahead of the Tour (de France) are really good, I am feeling great."
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