Spanish Champion Alejandro Valverde finished off his season with a impressive win in the Route des As criterium yesterday. It was the 15th edition of the race organized in Marquette-Lez-Lille, France.

“This race is very special and also difficult, but it is very popular in the northern part of Europe. I was very impressed by the large crowds,” said Valverde in a press statement.

The non-ranked race involved 12 riders competing behind dernys in two heats. Valverde finished fifth in the first heat and won the second heat.

Valverde took 13 victories this year, which included stage one and two days in the leader’s maillot jaune the Tour de France. The International Cycling Union (UCI) will award him tomorrow in Paris for the 2008 ProTour classification win.

File Photo by: CorVos Pro