"The cyclists are being used in a war of interests between organizations. It is the time to defend those who love cycling. It is necessary to do it in a non-discriminatory way," Alejandro Valverde to press agency EFE on Wednesday evening after learning that CAS would allow him to be on the start line for the men's road ride in Stuttgart on Sunday. The Spaniard declined to indicate what he would like to say to UCI President Pat McQuaid face to face. Instead he said, "I reserve that for me."
In Valverde's opinion, CAS' decision was "very important for me because it would not have been good to not let me race."
"I think that, in my case, they have excelled, a reason why I am not going to say anything on the matter. I have always tried to be respectful and disciplined," said Valverde after admitting he was "uncertain" of the CAS outcome beforehand. "Although I was calm, I did not know what was going to happen."
"I think that the cycling must make a move to avoid having others go through what I have lived," said Valverde who added that he did not give up on his specific training for the worlds. Valverde had wanted to race the Vuelta a España and support Unipublic, an organization he said respected him, but he said it was better for him to prepare specifically for worlds.
"Honestly, due to the circumstances of the last few days, I am somewhat affected and off-center. But I want to do as well as possible and am thankful for the support given by my national team-mates and by the national selector, Paco Antequera, who never doubted on my presence."
Likewise with the support of my family, I also want to thank my representatives and advisers for their advice as well as the magnificent work of the CSD, the RFEC and the team. In these last days, the work of my lawyers and the Federation has been brutal, and without them, I could not travel tomorrow to Germany," finished Valverde.
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