Valverde to start in Majorca

Alejandro Valverde, whose wife Ángela gave birth to twins on Friday, will start his season at the Trofeo Mallorca (Challenge of Majorca) on February 10 before moving to the Tour du Haut Var on February 24. The Murcian rider will again compete in his home race, the Vuelta a Murcia from March 5-9 but won't ride the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana despite winning it last year.

Valverde is hoping to realise his stage race potential with a Tour de France podium, and also strong rides at the Beijing Olympics and World Championships in Varese, Italy. His preparation will also include the Clásica a Alcobendas and the Dauphiné Libéré.

"2007 was a very special year, very unusual," Valverde told Marca. "I did not perform badly, but not better than 2006. I was there once more, at a high level."

Courtesy of Monika Prell