Valverde prepares Amstel

By Antonio J. Salmerón

Caisse d'Epargne leader Alejandro Valverde applauded his team after the fourth stage of the Vuelta al Pais Vasco. The team put in an enormous effort to help their leader dispute the victory, however, the best Valverde could do was third. "The team worked very hard in the final part of the stage, but it was impossible to catch Voigt because the gap was too big. I am very happy because the entire team was great today, especially the ones who had to be in front."

With his spring targets, the Amstel and Leige-Bastogne-Leige, Valverde is happy with his increasing form, and said, "Personally I feel each day better, finding the right rhythm and right sensations. I am very satisfied because this is the perfect preparation for the classics, with mountains every day and long stages which are also very fast. There are still about ten days before the Amstel Gold race and I hope to be at the start at hundred percent of my condition."

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1