Valverde pens new Movistar deal

Peter Marshall

Valverde pens new Movistar deal image

The 34-year-old has extended his stay with the Spanish team by another three years, having first joined them in 2005.

Valverde enjoyed a superb 2014 season, finishing fourth at the Tour de France and third at the recently concluded Vuelta a Espana.

He also won the Fleche Wallonne, Roma Maxima and the Clasica de San Sebastian races, as well as the Vuelta a Andalucia.

"I'm thrilled," Valverde told the team's official website. "It's what both sides wanted...this is my family and we understand [each other] well.

"I feel better than when I was 25. Maturity gives you peace of mind and helps you see everything differently."

The team's general manager, Eusebio Unzue, added: "[Alejandro] is a unique rider. No one is able to maintain focus and a willingness to win that he offers throughout each year."

Peter Marshall

Peter Marshall Photo

Peter Marshall has worked in sports media for more than two decades, covering everything from boxing, F1 and tennis to the World Cup and Olympics.