'My time has come' – Valverde to retire from cycling in 2022

Alejandro Valverde has decided the 2022 season will be the last of his incredible 21-year career.

Alejandro Valverde celebrates Source: Velo

Valverde has defied father time longer than many expected, with the Movistar rider set to walk away from the sport at the age of 42.

The Spaniard has raced since 2002, having won the 2009 Vuelta a Espana, Fleche Wallonne five times and Liege-Bastogne-Liege four times.

This season, the veteran fractured his collarbone at La Vuelta but was able to compete within a few weeks; later winning a stage at the Giro di Sicilia and finishing fifth at II Lombardia.

With Enric Mas now leading Movistar, Valverde’s final campaign will instead see him sign off at La Vuelta – not the Tour de France – before accepting a new role with the Spanish team.

“2022 is going to be my last year,” Valverde said during a Movistar get-together in northern Spain.

“I say that with total conviction, 100 per cent.

“Even though my level is good at 42, it makes no sense to extend longer after 21 years in the business.

“What more do I want? My time has come… I want to enjoy my last season as a pro.

“I don’t have my season sketched out yet, but a start at the Tour de France is already excluded.

“I hope to race the Vuelta next year, and we will study the Giro route too. And then there’s the classics and all the races on the Spanish calendar.

“When I retire I have a contract for two more years in the Movistar team. I will try to help the team as much as I can, especially by coaching young riders, which is something I like a lot.”