Alejandro Valverde: "I have good sensations going into Mount Etna"

Alejandro Valverde has been clear that he isn't particularly focused in going for the overall classification. However, he plans on being a feature in tomorrow's ascent to Mount Etna, which will see the climbers take on the main stage.

Talking to Spanish newspaper Marca, Valverde has admitted that a stage win is his priority in the race. "To really sign off in the best way, a win is the only thing that counts. I am back to try to win a stage. It’s the ‘photo’ that I am missing and I’d really like to make it happen. It would be nice if it happens, but I also know it’s complicated," he said.

Despite not his first, stage four will be a good opportunity for the veteran to give it a shot, and above all test his legs against the competition in Italy: “It’s a stage I really like and it’s my first chance to race on it. There will be more chances later, and to be honest, I haven’t looked too closely at the route in the same way as if I was racing for the GC."

“I am really motivated for Etna. I am happy with how I felt in the first stage, and to be honest, I really didn’t have that one in my mind. I didn’t feel so bad in the time trial, and I have good sensations going into Mount Etna," he added.

With 23 kilometers in distance, it's far from an ideal climb for the Spaniard. Nevertheless, he has on the past delivered on similar ascents, and he will be hoping for a good day on the road. “I’m feeling good, or at least I am not bad. I was second in Flèche and seventh in Liège, fighting right until the end. But at the Giro, you have to take it day-by-day," Valverde mentioned.

If he fails to perform, the responsibility should solely lie on Iván Sosa who will be seeing at what level he is regarding his rivals in the battle for the overall classification. Valverde may have a crucial support role in the future of the race, however tomorrow both will have their own ambitions. “We are here to help [Iván] Sosa, who can do some interesting things, including ride into the top five. He will improve and take the next step up in these types of races to help the races," he concluded.