VALVERDE RECEIVES LAST-MINUTE OFFER FROM T-MOBILE

The rider widely rated as cycling?s current number one, Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, has received an offer from German squad T-Mobile for 2007. The 2006 ProTour winner and runner-up in the Tour of Spain could take over from Jan Ullrich - sacked from T-Mobile following his implication in Operacion Puerto - as their leader for the Tour de France and Ardennes Classics.
Despite official denials by the German team, T-Mobile?s offer has been confirmed by both Valverde?s current squad, Caisse D?Epargne and - according to Valverde?s team manager Eusebio Unzue - by the rider himself.
?Alejandro had told us that T-Mobile had been in touch and they had even turned up at his house [in Murcia, Spain] to discuss the deal.? Unzue said. He added that Caisse D?Epargne was currently negotiating with Valverde to renew his contract until 2010 and described the T-Mobile offer as a ?hostile and highly unscrupulous strategy.?
Whilst the amount of money T-Mobile have offered to Valverde is unclear, it can hardly be less than the 1.3 millions Valverde currently earns per annum. Should Valverde, who already has a contract with Caisse D?Epargne ending in 2007, opt to leave the Spanish team, then the ?get-out clause? specifies he would have to pay out two million euros.
The news could hardly have come at a worse time for Caisse D?Epargne. The team are currently negotiating with a sponsor from Valverde?s local region, 3 Molinos Resort , to take over as a second backer for the squad for 2007 - a deal that would almost certainly fall through if Valverde moved on at the last minute. Not only that, T-Mobile?s offer will also considerably increase Valverde?s market value even if he remains with Caisse D?Epargne.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Fara F/Gravel Bike review: comfortable, versatile, with a good turn of speed
A rugged, trail-ready carbon gravel bike that can be as adventurous as you want it to be
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
Car drives towards peloton leading to pile-up in French stage race
Pre-race favourite Maxim van Gils taken to hospital after crash at Étoile de Bessèges
By Tom Davidson Published