Aleksandr Vlasov took the win on the Alto de las Antenas de Maigmó Tibi yesterday, and behind as everyone struggled to get over the line, one particular rider had an extra challenge.
Alejandro Valverde was predicted to be one of the main favourites for the Spanish race but didn't manage to keep up with the attack of his direct rivals on the opening day causing the Movistar duo to have to go on the offensive on yesterday's queen stage. Valverde was very active, attacking from the bottom of the climb and heading the favourites' group for quite a while.
As the riders entered the gravel sector it wasn't apparent but the Spanish veteran had gotten a puncture in his rear wheel. It is likely that the decision to go on was based on his proximity to the finish line and the dificulties that surely were present for cars due to the very narrow path. Some fans managed to spot Valverde's flat tyre, which he incredibly rode all the way to the line still finishing in sight of the top riders, with a 5th place alongside Pello Bilbao.
A disapointment no doubt, but Valverde is set to have a busy calendar this sprint which will see him in the battle for the wins more often.
Rúben SilvaEditor-in-Chief
A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
Beyond editorial work, he has been closely involved in the expansion and coordination of CyclingUpToDate’s wider network, helping establish and support sister platforms across multiple languages. This includes ongoing collaboration with CiclismoAlDia (Spanish), CiclismoAtual (Portuguese), WielrennenUpToDate (Dutch), and RadsportAktuell (German), contributing to a shared editorial vision and consistent international coverage.
He also helps oversee editorial governance across the network, setting standards for accuracy and consistency and coordinating updates or corrections when needed.
Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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El bala iba pinchado. Que me vengan ahora los vendehumos de Evenepoel o Ayuso.
🤯🚀 @alejanvalverde ha conseguido terminar 5º hoy en #VCV2022 tras cubrir los últimos kilómetros... ¡con pinchazo! El 'Bala' ha sufrido el incidente al inicio del tramo de tierra de Antenas del Maigmó, y ha podido estar muy cerca de @EnricMasNicolau y los top 💪 #LaÚltimaBala
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