Alejandro Valverde confirms he will continue racing in 2022

Alejandro Valverde confirms he will continue racing in 2022

Alejandro Valverde has confirmed that he will continue racing with Team Movistar in 2022, verifying assertions made by the man himself back in June, and reversing his retirement announcement of January this year.

“In 2022 I will continue,” The veteran Spaniard told Eurosport Spain. “I have strength and motivation to help or fight for victories.”

This announcement comes two weeks after the 41-year-old crashed out of the Vuelta a España while sitting fourth overall. After sliding out on a fast downhill corner and coming close to disaster over the gritty embankment, the Movistar co-leader briefly remounted before coming to a devastated stop.

The coverage lingered on the Murcian as he was comforted by his team director and friend Chente García Costa. The emotional scene looked at the time like a bitter and premature end to a long and storied career.

He came away with a broken collarbone that was operated on within days, and an injury to his ribs, but he was back on the indoor trainer in no time.

“Recovery is going well; the ribs still bother me,” he said. “In principle I return to Sicily, I’m thinking about Il Lombardia.”

Before starting his 12th season with Team Movistar, Valverde is expected to build to his goal of Il Lombardia – a race he’s never won but has finished runner-up three times – with a series of Italian races starting at the Tour of Sicily in late September. 

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By: Kit Nicholson
Title: Alejandro Valverde confirms he will continue racing in 2022
Sourced From: feedproxy.google.com/~r/cyclingtipsblog/TJog/~3/d-JNjZRX_w8/
Published Date: Sat, 04 Sep 2021 11:38:50 +0000