Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) spoke very highly of Nairo Quintana and he also outlined his own personal goals in a recent interview with ciclisimo.as

“Last year he was second at the Tour at just 23. He has incredible potential, has already won a race this season and he is looking good. The Tour is a ride that will be fine for him in the future. If he does not win it I will be very surprised. He's young and has more opportunities to go to the Tour.”

Valverde, who is now 33, also denies that age is going to prevent him from winning big races in the future, saying:

“The years take their toll, but the mentality the desire and the hunger remains. True, the years go by and the chances to win the Tour decrease but I'm not obsessed. There are many great riders who did not win the Tour."

Valverde has also not considered a potential season for retirement yet either. “I will not ask how old I get while still maintaining great shape.”

As for his Tour de France aims, he has only one goal: ”I'll go for it. The intention is to get on the podium. See that step. We will bring a great team and we'll try. I like the Tour as it suits me. What I like is that there is only one time trial and it’s not until the penultimate stage. However, it is very long though."

As for his competition, he is aware that he will face a big battle in France to best some of these riders:

"At the Tour, everyone arrives in the best shape, so it is very difficult. But I have no fear. Froome is the man to beat. Contador also. There are many good riders but I believe I can do it."

The tour is not his only aim this year however, as Valverde will go for the Classics too:

“I like them all, but this year I have a special enthusiasm with Milan -San Remo, because they have toughened the route. However, it will remain very difficult to win there, but I'll have some a bigger chance than usual.”

As for the sharing of leadership duties with Quintana in the Vuelta, Valverde is not fazed and says the team will make its decision while they are on the road there.

“There is still a long time to go. We will see how it goes and we will decide who is the leader during the race.”

Valverde has not changed anything in his preparation for 2014 either, saying:” I followed the same method as before. Yes, this year I'll start with a somewhat slower pace. I'll start in Dubai. It is the first time for the team in that race, but we are well trained and want to do well."

Finally, he spoke on the new arrivals to the squad ranked number 1 in the world last year:

“We have large reinforcements. Will have to see how the season unfolds to see if the team is improved. If its as good last year, I'll be very happy."