Cyclist Valverde quits Tour of Catalonia

Cyclist Alejandro Valverde will no longer appear at the start on Saturday for the sixth stage of the Tour of Catalonia. The 41-year-old Spaniard has been struggling with his respiratory system in recent days because of an allergy, his team Movistar says. He is also still suffering from the consequences of a crash in Strade Bianche.

Valverde won the Tour of Catalonia in 2009, 2017 and 2018. He was in 32nd place in the standings, almost 6 minutes behind Portuguese leader João Almeida. Canada’s Michael Woods of Israel-Premier Tech also decided not to start on Saturday for a mountain stage over 168 kilometers from Salou to Cambrils.

The Tour of Catalonia ends on Sunday with a stage over 138 kilometers with start and finish in Barcelona.