There were some other special reasons for some people to celebrate at the Vuelta a España apart from Remco Evenepoel’s win. One of which was marking the end of two decades. Spanish rider and champion, Alejandro Valverde, raced his last Vuelta a España on Sunday, 11th September.
The 2022 Vuelta marks the 16th Vuelta a Espana of Alejandro’s career. Multiple tributes were paid to the Spanish rider to mark the last Vuelta a Espana race of his career before he retires at the end of 2022. A short ceremony was held in his honor before the final race began and he was presented with a glass sculpture.
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To mark their honor for the rider, Valverde was allowed to continue at the front of the peloton in the final lapse of the race. He was seen waving at the people wearing a smile on his face, as his fans cheered him on. Moving on to the end of the stage, after Remco received his winning awards, Valverde once against climbed the stage along with his team Movistar.
In the honor of his 2009 Vuelta victory, Valverde was wearing the golden maillot. Underneath that, he had the World Champion’s jersey. The World Champion jersey was in remembrance of his 2018’s victory. Then he finally took off his second jersey to reveal the kit of team Movistar.
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Contrary to what was expected, Valverde did not race aggressively. Instead, he chose to enjoy the ride and take in every moment. While talking to the media, he said:
It’s amazing, And it makes me very happy the way that people are showing their appreciation. That means that they liked my sporting achievements and they enjoyed the way I got them as much as I did
The 42-year-old rider joined the team Movistar in 2011. In 2018 he was awarded the cycling award Vélo d’Or, which is given to the best performer of the year. In Murcia, a section of the road on N-340 is renamed after the Spanish rider. It is known as Avenida Alejandro Valverde. This was to honor his 2018 win at the 2018 UCI World Road Race Championships. Alejandro’s UCI World Ranking is 16 while his PCS Ranking is 13.
He is going to participate in the Il Lombardia which is scheduled for the 8th of October. Alejandro Valverde will retire on the 31st of December, 2022.
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Featured Image Via YouTube/ Eurosport
