Alejandro Valverde is one of the most successful riders in the peloton, and yesterday he has added a new title to his vast palmarès of stage-races at Gran Camiño by overturning Michael Woods' lead in the time-trial in Sarria.
"Happy, above all, for having been able to take the overall classification. The team the work has done was amazing during the four days and to be able to take the first edition of this race, so well organized, is something very beautiful," Valverde said after the race's final time-trial, where he managed to get conquer the overall classification.
This was also the 25th stage-race win of his career, on 2.1 level or higher. The Spanish veteran is the most successful rider in the current peloton in this parameter. This includes a Vuelta a España and several other World Tour events, and with the form the 41-year old is showing, it is possible to see that number elevate before what should be his retirement in December.
Despite having lost 16 seconds on the Mirador do Ézaro on stage two to Michael Woods, Valverde used his sprint and consistency to reel back in the lost time on the Canadian and managed to overturn the lead by only seven seconds in the final time-trial.
"Yesterday [stage 3] we won the stage, we were always in the front in the four days - third in Vigo, second in Friday [Mirador do Ézaro], third also today with the GC - and I go ahead with a lot of excitement towards this race," he added.
Valverde was very positive on the balance of this new addition to the calendar, having said: "Before coming I had already talked to Ezequiel Mosquera [former Spanish pro rider and race organizer], and he had told me that that everything had gone right. It was a very beautiful race, with a lot of audience which is the important, and I hope it lasts many years."
💛 Qué bonito verte con un amarillo de vencedor final, @alejanvalverde 🤗 🏆 La de hoy en #OGranCamiño es la 2️⃣5️⃣ª general de rondas por etapas profesionales que logra el Bala en su carrera, más que ningún otro corredor en activo. #LaÚltimaBala 📸 @PhotoGomezSport
🏆 Most Grand Tour / stage race (≥2.1) GC wins by active pros 25 - Valverde 20 - N.Quintana 17 - Froome 14 - V.Nibali, Roglic 10 - Fuglsang, Porte 9 - Boasson Hagen, Pogacar, G.Thomas 8 - Bernal, Demare, Evenepoel 7 - Gilbert, Pinot, Ulissi, Wellens 6 - Costa, GVA
