Valverde does not consider "anything serious" in MTB and explains that he tried to return to race as a professional

Alejandro Valverde's level during his first year as a former professional cyclist has been so high that he managed to achieve a fourth place during the past World Gravel Championship, ahead of many active professionals. In a recent interview, he explains that he considered returning to competition, but Eusbio Unzue talked him out of it.

Alejandro Valverde wanted to return to being a professional and explains that he will compete in MTB, but "nothing serious"

During the presentation of the 2024 La Vuelta a España, Alejandro Valverde gave a recent interview to the newspaper Marca where he explains what many fans thought and was one of the most present rumors: at 43 years old he wanted to return to being a professional cyclist.

"I seriously considered the fact of competing again because I kept training and feeling good ... as I had it in mind, I proposed it to Eusebio (Unzué) at the end of the season. But he told me 'Alejandro, you don't need it. It's not necessary. I know you want to race, that you feel good, I know you would do well... but there's no need'. And I understood. The truth is that he is absolutely right. For now I'm still here with the team enjoying all of them and I'm happy."

For 2024, Valverde pointed out in previous interviews that he wanted to compete in the next edition of the Absa Cape Epic and rumors suggested that he might even bring a top-level partner with whom to try to compete for the top spots or a stage victory, but the truth is that in his latest statement he has lowered fans' expectations a bit and explains that he is just looking to have fun.

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"I want to do some gravel, of course. Also some MTB, but nothing serious. As a serious goal, none. I don't want to set any goals. I want to do well and enjoy. Everyone knows that I am competitive, but that has to happen little by little. This year has been nice, I had a good time. Next year I want to have fun, but with less and less stress in any competition."

For mountain bike fans who want to keep the illusion of seeing him compete for a stage victory in the Cape Epic 2024, we can only tell them that in the past Gravel World Championship Valverde sincerely said that he didn't think he could fight for the top spots and ended up almost making the podium.