Alejandro Valverde Belmonte holds a significant place in the history of road bicycle racing, amassing 133 professional victories between 2002 and 2022. Born in 1980 in Murcia, Spain, he distinguished himself as a rare all-around talent capable of competing as a climbing specialist, a sprinter, and a time-trialist across a career spanning two decades of professional competition.
Early Development and Kelme Years
Introduced to cycling at age six by his father, Juan, Valverde gained early attention in his home region of Murcia, where he earned the moniker El Imbatido during his youth. After a period with the elite Banesto amateur team, he joined the development squad of the professional outfit Kelme–Costa Blanca. He turned professional with Kelme in 2002. His breakout season occurred in 2003, featuring two stage wins and a third-place finish in the general classification at the Vuelta a España, followed by a silver medal at the UCI Road World Championships.
Caisse d'Epargne and Movistar Tenure
In 2005, Valverde transitioned to the UCI ProTeam Illes Balears–Caisse d'Epargne. His debut at the Tour de France that year included a stage victory against Lance Armstrong at Courchevel. Throughout his tenure with the team, later known as Movistar, he demonstrated remarkable consistency in Grand Tours, entering thirty-two such events and completing twenty-seven. He achieved a top-ten finish in the general classification twenty times, securing an overall victory at the 2009 Vuelta a España.
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Valverde maintained a presence in both major stage races and one-day classics. His palmarès include multiple wins at La Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège, alongside victories at the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Volta a Catalunya. He secured the 2018 World Championship road race, building on a record of multiple podium finishes in the event dating back to 2003. In 2018, he received the Vélo d'Or award for his contributions to the sport.
Post-Professional Transitions
Following his retirement from professional road racing in 2022, Valverde continued his involvement in cycling by competing for the Movistar Team Gravel Squad. In March 2025, he moved into a coaching role, assuming responsibility for the Spanish men's national team. His long-term impact on the sport is underscored by his ranking as the second most successful cyclist of all time according to the Cycling Ranking database.
Fast facts
- Born: 1980, Murcia, Spain
- Professional career: 2002–2010, 2012–2022
- Professional victories: 133
- 2018 Vélo d'Or recipient
- 2009 Vuelta a España winner
- 2018 Road World Champion
- Coached by Francisco Moya during amateur career
- Current role: Spanish men's national team coach
Questions readers ask
How many times did Alejandro Valverde win the Vuelta a España?
He won the general classification of the Vuelta a España once, in 2009.
What is Alejandro Valverde's current role in cycling?
As of March 2025, he serves as the coach for the Spanish men's national cycling team.
Did Valverde compete in the Olympic Games?
Yes, he participated in the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 Summer Olympics.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
