Spaniard rider Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne), suspended for doping in Italy at present, said he is “very motivated” for the next three Ardennes classics, starting Sunday with the Amstel Gold Race in the Netherlands.

Valverde, whose suspension has been confirmed by Italy last month by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), has continued to be entered by his team Caisse d’Epargne in the following races.

The Spaniard, who is involved in the Puerto doping scandal in Spain, incurs an extension of his suspension in other countries.

The International Cycling Union (UCI), whose job it is to impose the penalty by the CAS, final decision on the global level which runs onto May 2011.

At present Valverde is continuing to race in spite of the suspension, just finishing second at the Tour of the Basque Country, behind American Chris Horner.

“We can not always win,” said Valverde who has felt “satisfied” with his basque term (two stage wins).

“The three races (Ardennes) I like a lot,” he said.

They adapt very well to my characteristics as evidenced by the victory at the Fleche (Walloon) and the two obtained in Liege-Bastogne-Liege). This year also I want to win one of three “.

“On paper, the Amstel Gold Race suits me very well but, because this is the first of three, I’m always been a bit tight at first while I felt better at Liege. I’ve always missed a bit of strength in the final, “added the leader of the team Caisse d’Epargne, Spain training with a French sponsor.

The team Caisse d’Epargne Amstel Gold Race:
Arnaud Coyot (FRA), Imanol Erviti (ESP), Luis Pasamontes (ESP), Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta (ESP), Vasil Kiryienka (BLR), David Lopez (ESP), Luis Leon Sanchez (ESP), Alejandro Valverde (ESP).

Translated From French
File Photo by: CorVos Pro