Alejandro Valverde

Alejandro Valverde won the 2006 La Flèche Wallonne, a prestigious one-day professional road cycling race held annually in April in the Ardennes region of Belgium. It was his first victory in this race, showcasing his ability in the hilly one-day classics which became one of his specialties. The triumph was a significant achievement in Valverde's career as it marked his rise as a strong contender in the spring classics.

Alejandro Valverde secured victory at the 2008 UCI Road World Championships held in Varese, Italy. He won the road race, further consolidating his status as one of the best cyclists of his generation. The World Championships road race is one of the most prestigious single-day races in the cycling calendar, and winning it earned him the rainbow jersey. Valverde's win added to his growing list of accolades and reaffirmed his prowess as a top-class cyclist.

Alejandro Valverde was officially suspended for two years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport as a result of his involvement in the Operación Puerto doping case. The ban covered the period from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2011. This was a significant event in Valverde's career as it interrupted his racing activities and brought into question the integrity of his previous achievements. The case was one of the many doping-related controversies affecting professional cycling during that era.

Alejandro Valverde made a winning return to Grand Tour racing by claiming victory on Stage 3 of the 2012 Vuelta a España. It was his first Grand Tour stage win following his suspension and demonstrated his ability to come back and compete at the highest level. The win was seen as a redemption for Valverde, allowing him to re-establish himself as a fierce competitor in stage races.

Alejandro Valverde captured his second victory at La Flèche Wallonne in 2014, eight years after his first win in the race. The victory in this iconic race further established his expertise in the Ardennes classics, showcasing tactical acumen and climbing prowess. The Flèche Wallonne is known for its steep climbs, and Valverde’s ability to excel in such conditions has been a hallmark of his career.

Alejandro Valverde won the 2015 edition of Liège–Bastogne–Liège, one of cycling's oldest and most prestigious one-day races, known as a Monument. The race, held in the Ardennes region of Belgium, is infamous for its challenging climbs and is a highlight of the spring classics season. Valverde's victory added to his impressive record in one-day races and demonstrated his continued excellence in the demanding Ardennes races.

On July 9, 2016, Alejandro Valverde finished third in Stage 9 of the Tour de France 2016, which was a mountainous stage from Vielha Val d'Aran to Andorra Arcalis. His performance was a testament to his climbing strength and race savvy, helping his team and showcasing his abilities in one of the most prestigious Grand Tours. The result was part of Valverde's enduring career success in Grand Tours, often playing a crucial support role while also hunting for stage victories.

In 2018, Alejandro Valverde claimed his fourth victory at La Flèche Wallonne, solidifying his reputation as the king of the Mur de Huy. The win marked yet another chapter in his remarkable career in the Ardennes classics, where he has been a dominant force for over a decade. Valverde's mastery of the short, steep climbs characteristic of the race has been unparalleled, and his 2018 win further cemented his legacy in the cycling world.

Alejandro Valverde won the 2018 UCI Road World Championships road race held in Innsbruck, Austria, achieving the prestigious and elusive title he had sought for many years. This victory was particularly meaningful as it came ten years after his 2008 World Championship win and after several near misses. Valverde's triumph was celebrated across the cycling community and underscored his longevity and talent in professional cycling.

On October 8, 2022, Alejandro Valverde concluded his illustrious professional cycling career with a farewell ride in the Giro di Lombardia, often referred to as the 'Race of the Falling Leaves'. Valverde's career spanned over two decades, during which he established himself as one of the most accomplished and respected riders in the sport. His retirement marked the end of an era for fans and peers alike, as Valverde left behind a legacy filled with memorable victories and contributions to the sport of cycling.