Valverde says goodbye to Vuelta a Espana, is "planning to end at Il Lombardia"

Alejandro Valverde may not be having his final season as a pro rider as expected, however as Movistar Team ride away from relegation fears, the team will not be dependent on the veteran's points to finish off the season, as he just concluded his final Vuelta a Espana.

“It’s been a Vuelta full of emotions for me. It’s not a day’s emotion like the one you feel with a victory, which is more an instantaneous thing, an explosion, but a long-standing emotion which I’ve been enjoying every day, so, so much," he said after finishing what was his 16th time racing the three-week Grand Tour. He was honored with a glass statue before the start and had several celebrations, as he was one of Spain's leading figures over the last decade, bringing in a World Title, a Grand Tour, four monuments, stages in all Grand Tours and countless other wins in a pro career that has 133 wins to his name.

This Vuelta was his last, as he supported Enric Mas who is set to take his place of leadership within the Spanish team. "I want to thank everybody for their support over the last three weeks, and La Vuelta, for everything that it’s given to me. I will surely come back, even if not as a rider. I’m going to enjoy so much with everything I’ve received and achieved, and I’ll support the team to the fullest," he said.

At the final podium Valverde and Movistar had their own trip to the podium to celebrate his career, as did the winners of all classifications. Valverde finished the race in 13th position and is heading to his final month as a pro rider.

"However, there’s still some races left in the season and my career. I’ll be competing in Italy during the month of October, planning to end at Il Lombardia," Valverde said, hinting at the possible final race of his career.