5 things Alejandro Valverde can do instead of race next year

Former world champion Alejandro Valverde has officially retired from cycling, following his last race on Saturday at Il Lombardia. The Spanish rider finished sixth in the Monument, which was won by Tadej Pogačar (again.)

Valverde has been teasing ending his career since 2018, but the 42-year-old is now officially hanging his cleats up. For sure for sure this time.

Cycling is one of the toughest sports in the world, and Valverde has been at it for 20 years. Maybe instead of one more gruelling season, he could try something else?

1. Become a sommelier

This guy has been tasting booze on podiums for two decades. It’s time to monetize that skill.

Alejandro Valverde wins Giro stage 16, steps onto GC podium https://t.co/Sb2YIJSEzA pic.twitter.com/hTJ7WNCPU3

— Scott (@Pub_Cap_Scott) May 24, 2016

2. Work for WADA

Maybe this would be a nice way to make peace with the events a few years back with the World Anti-Doping Agency? They’d be lucky to have him as a consultant.

Operación Puerto blood bags could finally be released

3. Work for Movistar

His team sponsor, Movistar is the largest provider of landline, broadband, mobile services and pay television in Spain. Maybe he could work in the call centre or something? There’s got to be a job for him.

4. Get a hobby

It’s safe to assume that with his rate of success and consistency over the years, Valverde doesn’t do anything else but ride his bike, eat and sleep. Maybe it’s time to switch it up? Photography? Cooking? Learn how to cross-stitch?

5. Gravel racing?

Everyone else seems to be want to do this. And he’s no slouch on the cobbles.

Alejandro Valverde smashed cobbles recon faster than most Paris-Roubaix racers