The withdrawal from the Liège-Bastogne-Liège of worn out Brabantse Pijl winner Peter Sagan (Cannondale) has obviously shortened the list of major rivals for Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), but the Spaniard still remains weary of the strength of the reigning world champion Philippe Gilbert (BMC) in the latter’s home race.

The word champion and home crowd favourite took the 2011 edition of la Doyenne as part of an almost invincible season, but he has failed to win a race in the Ardennes since; as a local rider, Gilbert has evidently sought out this race to rectify that situation.

“I’m glad that Sagan is tired and not riding,” Valverde told Belgian daily Sporza. “It makes it a little easier for me to go up against Gilber who will be my main rival.

“But there are still a dozen riders who are on the same level and have a chance,” he added. “I think of Rodríguez, Moreno, Nibali, Henao…”

Valverde has demonstrated excellent form himself, lately, finishing second to Roman Kreuziger (Saxo-Tinkoff) in Amstel and seventh behind Moreno (Katusha) in Flèche, and declares himself ready for the Ardennes showdown.

“I’m ready for any eventuality,” he said. “I didn’t do too much to risk Liège neither in the Amstel Gold nor in la Flèche Wallonne. This is the race that best suits my abilities. As a teenager I dreamed of Liège. I’m proud that I was the first Spaniard on the list of victors.”

Valverde surged to victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2006 and 2008, the first of those victories coming as part of an Ardennes double with Flèche Wallonne. He also finished third in 2010, before subsequently being retrospectively disqualified for his involvement with Eufemiano Fuentes, as uncovered in the infamous Operación Puerto.

Starting at 14.30 on Sunday you can follow the action from Liège-Bastogne-Liège live here on Cyclingquotes.com