Tour of Spain 2019: Alejandro Valverde: "I never dreamed of a second place"

Spanish Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team) confess, after defending the second place of the general classification in the last stage, the final of each year of the race, which has finished "enchanting with the podium" achieved in the Vuelta 2019.

"It is a podium that I did not expect much. Winning some stage I expected, but with a second place I did not dream far away. So phenomenal. I am delighted by this podium because I did not expect it," he said.

Valverde revealed that he had problems of "references" at the stage and that it was "the public" that was on the sides of the road that informed him that he had to press.

"I had no references, no or nothing and I didn't know anything, I had to change the station and Ion Izagirre asked. It was the public that told me that it was two minutes away and that I had to go full and in the end I went full butt to the top, "he said.

In that sense, I recognized that "at some point" came "to think" that the second place was in danger, which in the end has maintained for only 22 seconds after the attack of the winner of the stage and third at the end. A Tadej Pogacar that "attacked in the port (that of Pea Negra) and went very strong".

The world champion was "grateful" to team work, from classmates like "Nairo (Quintana) and (Marc) Soler, who have given everything. "

And ended up upset by the loss of Quintana from the third final position. "We have tried to defend both positions, but the third one could not be. It has been a good race for us, a second place, the team classification and also two stages, "he said.

On the statements of Saturday in which Miguel Angel Lpez criticized Movistar and him personally, Valverde said that "at no time" has "disrespected" the Colombian and that he is not convinced by the "apologies" of Supermn yesterday on Twitter.

"We haven't had time to talk much and he says it was hot, but it was already changed. Although I do not want to go into politics, "zanj.

Already facing the World Cup in two weeks, I explained that this year has finished "better" the Tour than last year, who has "gained a kilo and a half" of weight in the last three weeks and who try to take advantage of the "new opportunity" that is presented.

Though I assumed that winning the World Cup in Yorkshire (United Kingdom) is difficult because it is a more open race "than the one the rainbow gave him in 2018, he is encouraged because he sees that Spain has" a great selection "to support him.

"I arrive well, we have a great selection and we will go enjoy, like last year", he advanced, also surprised by the congratulations received at the end of the stage. "It seems that I won the Tour," he congratulated.

RESULTS: (TOP 20)