It was hard, very hard, but it could have been much worse.
Alejandro Valverde has been forced this Friday to leave the return to Spain by a fall, but he must give thanks for not having suffered much more serious consequences.
About 45 kilometers from goal, while attacking a group next to runners such as yachts and Carapaz, the former world champion lost control of his bike by a bump and ended up on an embankment after sliding under the road.
The race passed by a smooth and well asphalted road, in a slight section of downhill, in an attack context but without exaggerated speed.
Valverde traced a curve behind Carapaz, but the bicycle made a stranger and came out outside the curve.
He had fortune, within misfortune, that at that point the guardrail was partially interrupted for access to a path, so his head passed under him and his body rushed through where there was no
protection.
José Joaquín Rojas helped his inseparable companion to leave the batter towards which he had rushed.
In the first instance, Valverde assured not being able to continue in the race while attending by career doctors.
However, in a new tested boast, he climbed on the bicycle full of bruises and very sore and resumed the march.
However, less than ten kilometers later, in which he was accompanied by two colleagues, he had to give up continue in the race and confirmed his second abandonment in 15 participations in the return, the first from his premiere in the Far 2002.
