Fourth place claimed at the Tour de France might have been slightly disappointing for Alejandro Valverde, but the 34-year old Spaniard has enjoyed his best season since many years nonetheless, with almost flawless performances throughout whole spring. In such circumstances it may come as a surprise that the former Vuelta a Espana champion still remains without a contract for 2015 as his negotiations with Movistar met difficulties in regards to financial aspects of a new deal.
According to Valverde’s manager Antonio Sanchez Sabater, the 34-year old Spaniard intends to continue his professional career with Movistar for eleventh consecutive season. However, his long-time employer is no longer keen to offer him a salary reflecting to his latest impressive results as they groomed Nairo Quintana into their grand tour leader for years to come, what may force the former to eventually change an outfit. Spanish media suggest that there are several WorldTour squads interested in signing Valverde.
“There has not been an agreement nor has anything been signed, and yes there are different positions,” Valverde’s agent Antonio Sánchez Sabater told Biciciclismo.
“Alejandro wants to continue to be valued by the team. The affection on both sides is mutual. I think that it would take something bad for them not to reach an agreement.”
Even though Valverde finished the Tour de France below his own expectations, his performances throughout spring period, including victories taken at the Roma Maxima, Fleche Wallonne, Vuelta a Andalucia, Vuelta a Murcia or surprisingly ITT at Spanish national championships had to be considered as impressive.
His agent also tried to change a conversation what it comes to Tour appearance, pointing out that it was best ever result obtained by the 34-year old Spaniard in his career and that his future contract should reflect that.
Sanchez Sabater also explained that the time factor might be most decisive when it comes to eventual contract extension with Movistar or turning attention to another, reportedly numerous options.
“In spite of what has been said, he had his best finish at the Tour de France, he won races and you can’t forget that he is number one in the WorldTour. We only want that value, nothing more.”
“Ideally, it would be before the Vuelta, but it is complicated, with the dates that they are, during and after is also limited.”
“We cannot wait more because he could get another chance that would be hard to pass on. At the moment, he wants to continue, 100 per cent, but if it takes more time then we open the door and we will evaluate the other options… We have rejected some of the proposals, but they remain active.”
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