Second in the ranking of the UCI World Tour, Joaquim Rodriguez remains one of the most consistent riders in the world at 36 years of age. This year he was only beaten in this classification (based on the points that are awarded to the top ranked riders in the most important events on the international calendar) by an impressive Alejandro Valverde after one of his best seasons. The rivalry between the Catalan Katusha rider and the Movistar ruder from Murcia is not only limited to battles in the mountains, but is also reflected in this ranking reserved for the best riders of the moment.

In 2015 Joaquim Rodriguez has achieved a second place in the Vuelta a Espana (where he won a stage and the combination classification), two stages in the Tour, the overall and two stages in the Basque country and a third and fourth place in Liege and Fleche Wallonne respectively.

"I am very satisfied with my performance this season. The results are there and to finish second in the world in this classification, surpassed only by a big Alejandro who has hadhis best season, has made me forget 2014 and regain my confidence," says the veteran in a press release from his management company.

Since 2009, the season in which the ranking was established by the International Cycling Union, Rodriguez has won three times - 2010, 2012 and 2013 – and been 2nd in 2015 and 3rd in 2011, while Valverde has won two editions: 2014 and 2015 and 2nd in 2009, 5th in 2012 and 3rd in 2013. Of the seven previous editions, the five have been won by these two riders. The other two editions were won by Alberto Contador (2009) and Philippe Gilbert (2011).