Valverde says goodbye to pro cycling with Il Lombardia leadership alongside Enric Mas

Movistar Team are finding themselves in a rather unusual position this late into the season as they enter an incredibly packed Il Lombardia with two riders in position for the win. Most importantly however, this will be the final race in Alejandro Valverde's career.

Over the last few months tributes have been made towards the Spaniard, who will close a long career at the Italian monument, one he's never won but has been close on countless occasions, and will be a favourite for the race. Lacking it's high mountains, the terrain will be more suited to the veteran, who's finished on the Top4 at all Italian Autumn classics he's recently raced: Giro dell'Emilia, Tre Valli Varesine and Coppa Agostoni.

He won't be the team's only option however, as Enric Mas comes in after a storming Vuelta a Espana where he's finished in second place, but an even more impressive win at the Giro dell'Emilia where he beat Tadej Pogacar to take the win. The climber is on superb form and will be a prime contender to take the win in Como.

The Spanish team won't have much support in the climbs, but Iva´n García Cortina who's just came off a win at Gran Piemonte can be an outsider on a good day. Experienced riders José Joaquín Rojas and Imanol Erviti will be in support, as will Jorge Arcas and Johan Jacobs.

Movistar Team for Il Lombardia: Alejandro Valverde, Enric Mas, Imanol Erviti, Iván García Cortina, José Joaquín Rojas, Jorge Arcas and Johan Jacobs.