Alejandro Valverde has finished on the podium of the World Championships (two times 2nd and four times 3th) six times. The Spanish rider will have a chance to make history yet again. The Movistar Team rider will lead the Spanish squad in Richmond. He is ready for this big event.

"I hope to be ready for the worlds. I am tired from a long season, and that’s one reason why I wasn’t up to the top level at the Vuelta. The worlds are important, and with Spain, we always bring a competitive team", El Imbatido told Vekonews. "We’ll see how the race unfolds. The worlds is always a complicated race. Six medals, that’s something. Would I change those six medals for one world title? I don’t know. I’ve made history in a certain way by being so consistent, but of course, I would like to win a world title as well."

Spanish national coach Javier Minguez explained: "We bring a team for all scenarios. The team is unified with the goal of winning. It’s never easy, but Spain will have a strong squad."