Mallorca Challenge: Valverde solos to victory in Deià

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Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) took a solo victory at the Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana, after dropping his escape companions with more than 30 kilometres remaining. Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) came across the line in second with Leopold König (Team Sky) just behind. The win comes on a mixed day for Movistar after they lost Rory Sutherland just 17 kilometres into the race.

"I'm really happy because this win confirms the good feelings I had throughout the race and the intense work we made during the offseason," Valverde said. "It was a team victory, just like yesterday’s effort ... we've got a great group, all of us get on with each other well and I think that plays a massive role on our wins. I dedicate this victory to them."

Valverde was part of a 26-man breakaway that went away after 40 kilometres of racing, a move initiated by his teammates Jesus Herrada, Javier Moreno and Francisco Ventoso. Friday’s last man standing Johan van Zyl was back in the break also, with his MTN-Qhubeka teammate Merhawi Kudus. Behind them, it was left to Team Sky to do the work on the front of the peloton after they missed the split.

The 26 riders were not given much room to manoeuvre by the chasing bunch and took a maximum advantage of 2 minutes. Valverde and Herrada got the jump on the escapees with 60 kilometres to go, with only Kudus able to keep up with the Movistar pairing. The Eritrean stayed with Valverde until the ascent of the Puig Major, where Valverde finally distanced his younger rival.

"We had to spend a lot to keep the escape going, but maybe a bit less than yesterday because it’s completely different to be on the break," Valverde said. "Sky never caught us - they were 20 seconds behind when I attacked into that second breakaway and later with the solo move."

On his own, Valverde’s advantage quickly extended from less than a minute to over two. With 15 kilometres remaining, Wellens set off in chase of the Spaniard with König in tow. It was too late however and Valverde sealed the win by more than a minute.

"Now we’re leaving for Dubai, and there is Qatar as well. The goal will be to gain racing form, profit from good weather in the desert and also help Lobato out into the sprints in Dubai. The Tour of Oman’s route suits me better, I like it more - we’ll see how we’re doing by then.”

Kudus went on to take the award for the most combative rider. "I felt really good today. On the climbs I was also very comfortable and relaxed the whole day. It's unfortunate because I just couldn't follow Valverde on the descent. In the end I had to settle for 10th but I am happy with today's performance and also to with the most combative prize as well," said Kudus.

Sunday's Trofeo Palma de Mallorca is the last race of the Mallorca Challenge.

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