Alejandro Valverde
DOB: 25/04/1980 (34 Years Old)
Nationality: Spanish
Race History:
Vuelta - 1st (2009), 2nd (2006, 2012), 3rd (2003, 2013)
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Background:
Valverde continues to be everyones favourite ex-doper, although Alberto Contador is quickly becoming a fans favourite once again, continues to ride at the top level. However, at 34 years old, time is quickly running out for Alejandro Valverde to add a Tour de France win to his collection… or even a podium finish for that matter.
However, Valverde’s lack of success isn't through a lack of trying. The Spaniard abandoned through injury in 2005 and 2006, simply didn't have the legs in 2007 and 2008, was barred from entering between 2009 and 2011 for his doping offences and fell away from contention last year after puncturing in the crosswinds… More bad luck this year and we’ll have to start to question whether or not Alejandro is actually cursed and was never meant to win the Tour.
Strengths:
There is no doubting that Valverde is still on of the strongest climbers in the world and will be one of a select few who might be able to live with both Froome and Contador on the highest of peaks.
At the grand old age of 34, Valverde is also in a position where he has a wealth of experience and knows his body better than anyone and will not let himself over exert at any point. Couple this with his intelligence in knowing when to time his efforts and attacks, he could still be a threat to the big guns this year.
On the short, sharp finishes, Valverde is also capable of producing an
explosive sprint finish compared to his climbing rivals, however, this will have less of an impact with the removal of time bonuses.
Weaknesses:
As has been the case for most of our riders in this section, Valverde lacks a little in the time trial, however it isn’t quite bad enough to rule him out of contention.