Former Spanish world champion Alejandro Valverde confirmed on Thursday that he will become the new coach of the Spanish cycling team, Spanish media reported.
Retired from the pelotons since the end of the 2022 season after 20 years of a prolific career, Valverde (133 victories including a Tour of Spain, five times the Flèche wallonne and four times Liège-Bastogne-Liège) will bring his immense experience to the Spanish selection.
“There are just a few things missing, but it’s almost done. I’m very excited and looking forward to it”declared the 2018 world champion at the Madrid International Tourism Fair (FITUR), according to Spanish media.
“I’m going to do my best, there will be people who are happy and there will be people who aren’t. We all have to make the best of it.”he continued.
-His appointment was preceded by controversy, his compatriot Oscar Freire, three-time world champion (1999, 2001, 2004), having assured that he had reached an agreement with the Spanish Federation to succeed Pascual Momparler.
Since his retirement, Valverde, 44, has been an ambassador for Movistar, the team with which he spent most of his career after starting at Kelme.
His commitment at the head of the Spanish selection extends over four years but Valverde wishes to combine his two positions, while continuing to devote himself to gravel.
