The team has always prided itself as one of the best and the way they usually demonstrate that is in taking the teams competition seriously. Movistar did so again after Stage 21, claiming their 10th title in 39 appearances at the Vuelta.
However, much of the result was off the back of a rider who continues to amaze the sport, the ageless and ever dependable 38-year-old, Alejandro Valverde, while Nairo Quintana failed to fire and was eventually relegated to super domestique status.
"I’ve had great moments during this Vuelta," Valverde said. "I can’t choose one between my two stage wins. The worst moment was yesterday when I got kicked out of the podium. But it hasn’t been a disaster since the public kept supporting me."
Despite conceding a final podium place on the final two mountain stages, Valverde still managed to win the points competition ahead of sprinters Peter Sagan (BORA-hansgrohe) and Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) while contributing to Movistar's overall victory in the Teams competition with two individual stage wins (2,8).
"Alejandro's two stage victories were magnificent, even excellent if you consider the quality of the names finishing behind him," said Movistar team boss Eusebio Unzué. "But I've got to thank him even more because he was able to keep us excited until the very end, with a strong chance to win La Vuelta or fight for the overall podium until the very finale.
It's easy being green for Alejandro Valverde. (Getty) Source: Getty
"In Nairo's case, he took big efforts to go for that red jersey and final victory into the first two weeks of racing, but as soon as he realised he wasn't in a position to win outright and we still stood that chance of success with Alejandro, he showed great attitude and disposition to put himself at Alejandro's service, as seen on Friday and most notably yesterday.
"It's sad for us that all that work from him wasn't enough to keep Alejandro on the podium, but I think his quality as a leader on the road, putting himself into a domestique position, is even more beyond doubt after this La Vuelta.
"Finally, I think that today's team victory is a reward to the good work and implication of the whole group throughout the race, something to be happy about."
