Spanish cycling legend Alejandro Valverde, the 2018 long-distance world champion, has announced that the final stretch of his professional racing career will be dedicated to events, commercial commitments, and a new advisory role. After stepping off the bike, he will transition into a consultant position with the Movistar Team, shaping the future with the squad he has long been associated with.
Since turning professional in 2002, the 42-year-old rider from Las Lumbreras de Monteagudo has built an impressive résumé, boasting 133 career wins that span Grand Tours, classicOne-day races, and stage races. His triumphs include the 2009 Vuelta a España and the 2018 World Championships in Austria, moments that cemented him as one of cycling’s most durable talents of his generation.
Valverde’s association with the International Cycling Union remains strong, and his two-year contract with Abarca Sports reflects a continued commitment to high-level competition and team development. For years, the management of the squad, led by Eusebio Unzúe as sporting director, has steered operations with a steady hand and a clear strategic vision.
As the new phase begins, effective January 1, 2023, Valverde will focus on tasks that include representation and mentoring, according to his manager, Antonio Sánchez. This shift signals a broader contribution to the sport beyond his own racing, leveraging years of experience to guide younger cyclists and help the team navigate the evolving landscape of professional cycling.
In addition to his advisory duties with Movistar, Valverde’s public image as a model athlete and leader remains invaluable. His wealth of knowledge and disciplined approach offer a real resource for younger riders aiming to grow, learn, and compete at the highest level. The legacy of his career provides a blueprint for professionalism, resilience, and sustained performance that resonates well beyond competition days.
Valverde will also continue to support philanthropic initiatives tied to the Valverde-Ricardo Fuentes foundation, serving as sponsor and godfather to programs and schools linked to the foundation’s mission. This involvement underscores a commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level and fostering opportunities for aspiring cyclists to develop through structured training and community programs.