Even though Spanish team ended up with one medal less in the World Championship road race compared to last year’s event, courtesy of the perennial podium contender Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), the national coach claimed to be more pleased with their efforts as a cooperation in the squad was much better than twelve months ago.

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Alejandro Valverde took the silver and bronze in Florence respectively, but their respectable achievement had a very bitter taste as the latter was accused by the former of preventing him from taking victory in the race by not following a move of cunning Rui Costa – the eventual 2013 title winner.

However, the Katusha leader insisted that everything has been forgotten and that he was ready to work for his younger countryman as there was no doubt left that – due to course characteristics - the Spanish team was build exclusively around Valverde.

The 34-year old Movistar rider finished the race third behind other pre-race favourites Michał Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma – Quick Step) and Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEDGE), but Rodriguez lived up to his promises, riding aggressively and supporting Valverde on the final lap.

Thus, Spanish national coach Javier Minguez was in a better mood than twelve months ago, pleased with cooperation between his top riders in the event held on their home soil.  

"The Worlds is like a lottery,” said Minguez. “We have neither the first nor the second prize, but we have the third. I'm happy with the team's work and with the result, but you know we always want more."

“We couldn’t keep Kwiatkowski down, because it was impossible to follow his wheel."