With a third place in the Giro d’Italia, sixth place in the Tour de France and a key role as support rider for Nairo Quintana in the Vuelta a Espana, Alejandro Valverde did the grand tour treble for the first time in his career. Despite being pleased with the experience, the Spaniard won’t repeat the schedule in 2017.

“No! Here I answer very quickly. It's too much,” he told his personal website when asked about another Giro-Tour-Vuelta attempt. “This year we wanted to try, not to win but to get the experience, but you cannot do well at all three of them. I've been through it and I don’t think I will repeat it.”

Nonetheless, Valverde is pleased with his season.
 

“The balance is very good. I have done all three Grand Tours, I won seven races; including the Fleche-Wallonne and I finished third in the Giro d'Italia and got a stage win. After the Tour de France I tried to help Nairo at all times and managed to finish sixth. In the Vuelta, I was also to support Nairo despite it being my third three-week race.”

Valverde made his debut in the Giro and got an excellent result.

“I liked the Giro. The Italian fans are amazing. The race, the organization ... everything was great. I am pleased to have done it, not just with the final result,” he said.
 

Despite the good result, he felt stronger later in the year.

“I had the best feeling at the Tour de France. I was third in the Giro but in July I found a higher level,” he added.

Valverde ended his grand tour season by supporting Quintana in his first Vuelta victory.

“It is clear. To participate in my third Grand Tour and win with Nairo is very important. It was nice to celebrate a triumph with the whole team. I am very pleased to have contributed to that success,” Valverde said.
 

After the Vuelta, it was confirmed that Valverde will remain in the Movistar team where he has spent almost his entire career.
 

“Next year I will be with Movistar Team. The deal has not been signed yet but we're about to do it. For 2017 I have no clear goal. I just hope for good health,” he concluded.