Alejandro Valverde’s supreme start to the season has seen him win three stages and the overall title at the Ruta del Sol, along with one-day success at the Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia, Roma Maxima and GP Miguel Indurain, and a third place finish at Strade Bianche.
The Spaniard was also a key protagonist at the Tour of the Basque Country, where he was denied a podium spot only by the time-trialing of his rivals.
Only Contador was better than Valverde on stage one, and Valverde gave his compatriot and rival a real run for his money from there on, testing him with a series of attacks and counter-attacks in the following stages. He also proved he is more than capable in the sprint, taking second behind Ben Swift on stage five.
Valverde was second behind Kreuziger last time out and this year will be among the favourites to add the one Ardennes Classic missing from his palmares.
