Valverde to retire after Tour of Lombardy

Alejandro Valverde will retire from professional cycling after the Tour of Lombardy, his team Movistar announced on Monday.

"It's time to enjoy and to thank him, one final time," wrote the Spanish team on Twitter, as the 42-year-old's glittering career approaches its end.

Valverde will take part in the Coppa Agostoni on September 29, the Tour of Emilia on October 1, the Tre Valli Varesine on October 4 and the Tour of Lombardy on October 8.

The Spanish all-rounder had announced he would retire after the 2022 season last year, bringing a spectacular career to a close after 21 years.

Valverde won the 2009 Vuelta a Espana, the 2018 World Road Race Championships, four Tour de France individual stages and the Criterium du Dauphine in 2008 and 2009.

He also won four editions of the Liege-Bastogne-Liege, in 2006, 2008, 2015 and 2017, as well as five Fleches Wallonne races in 2006, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

"For his last races as a professional, Valverde will have a top level team by his side, including the expected presence of Enric Mas," added Movistar.