The presentation of Movistar Team, the only Spanish team in the World tour, is usually an act of reunion between cycling people at the launch of the season, only surpassed by the revelation of the route of the Back to Spain, the great social party of this sport. The pandemic this year has transformed the first of them into a virtual event with connections from Madrid and AlmeriaWhile there is still no official news of the second, beyond its claim to be held in the first half of February. Through the screen, very suitable also for a training called Movistar, the telephone team announced its news and challenges with a staff of 43 cyclists, 29 men and 14 women. The main reinforcements are Miguel Ángel López, Superman, a brave Colombian climber who has already climbed to the podiums of the Turn and the Return and has won the queen stage of Tour; Ivan Garcia Cortina, which projects a great classical hand, and Annemiek van Vleuten, a galactic signing of the women’s squad. All three will underpin the leadership of Enric Mas and Marc Soler.
And also of Alejandro Valverde, I have not forgotten. The Murcian, as he announced in the first person, sees the final goal: “I start with 40 studs and with the idea that it will be my last year.” Valverde will run this campaign with the illusion of adding an Olympic medal to his brilliant record, which includes the Return, he world, the Liege, the Walloon Arrow, he Dauphiné, podiums in the big three, number one on the World Tour … Endless victories that Alexander made them look easy. The challenge is demanding, because the candle is consumed. Last year, for the first time, he did not celebrate any success. The season looks “special” for the cyclist, but also for Spanish sportl, who will fire one of his greats. Surely now, when it is removed, its high height can be better calibrated.
