Valverde hospitalised after hit-and-run incident, driver later arrested

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) was hit by the driver of a car while on a training ride on Saturday morning in Alcantarilla, southeast Spain. 

Valverde was transferred to the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital for 24-hour monitoring and Movistar said in a medical update that he sustained no broken bones.

"We confirm that Alejandro Valverde has no fractures or serious injuries after suffering an incident this Saturday when he was riding with a teammate in Alcantarilla," Movistar wrote in a medical statement. 

"Bala will remain under observation for 24 hours and will later be discharged. His partner is also OK."

Valverde took to his social media channels to confirm that while the incident was serious, his injuries weren't, "I want to thank you all for the support and affection that I have received today. Luckily everything has been a scare and I'm fine."

The 42-year-old Spanish rider is planning to retire from professional cycling this year, riding his last Grand Tour at the Vuelta a España in August and his last race at Il Lombardia in October.

Valverde, along with two training partners, were struck by the vehicle while on a training ride after the driver of the vehicle reversed into the group, according to a report in Ciclismoafondo which cited eyewitnesses.

The driver of the vehicle, a 69-year-old man, initially fled the scene and later appeared at the La Alberca police station to confess to the incident said the report. Authorities have placed him under arrest and he has been made available to the National Police, who will now investigate the incident.