World champion Alejandro Valverde says people can judge him how they wish, and that there is no question over whether he has anything to regret about his doping suspension in 2010.
Valverde, now 38, was banned for two-years for his links to Operation Puerto, in which his DNA was matched to a blood bag seized from doping doctor Eufemiano Fuentes.
The Spaniard served his suspension, returning to competition in 2012 with Team Movistar.
He has remained relatively quiet over the affair since, but questioning about it has heightened since his victory at the World Championships road race in Innsbruck in September.
In October, Valverde said that Operation Puerto was "something I shouldn’t even be asked about,” and that journalists asking questions "have no idea."
Speaking at the Saitama Criterium in Japan this weekend, Valverde added that after serving his ban he has got "even better" on the bike than before, and that people can "judge me as they like."
"I don't think the question is whether I have to regret something or not," Valverde told Spanish paper AS.
"I never returned a positive, but it was decided that I should be sanctioned and that's what happened. I fulfilled the punishment and since then the only thing that has worried me is to enjoy cycling.
"Everyone can judge me as they see fit. But I'm aware that I have done everything possible to show that I not only won before, but after fulfilling my sanction I have been even better."
Valverde added to AS that he expects to continue to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, after which even if he does consider retirement, he'll continue to ride his bike at whatever level he can.
"[I'll] continue practising this sport, of course. For me I would never leave it, even if I don't continue riding and training at this level. But one thing happens to me, if I do not ride a bicycle, I feel worse."
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
-
-
Brompton Electric P-Line Urban review - this powered-up folder has won me over
Brompton's new app makes its electric bikes easier to use and has - maybe - converted this sceptic
-
E-bike rebates: Are you taking advantage of your city or state programs?
A nation-wide rebate program could be coming soon but here’s how to save on an e-bike purchase now
-
Still got it: Alejandro Valverde takes victory on gravel debut in Spain
42-year-old prevails in his first event since road retirement
-
Alejandro Valverde to return to racing with new Movistar gravel squad
Spanish veteran will pin on numbers in his first ever gravel race at ‘La Indomable’ in Spain on 23 April
-
Changing of the guard: Seven top cyclists who have retired in 2022
Vincenzo Nibali, Alejandro Valverde and Tom Dumoulin have all called time on their careers this year
-
‘I was rubbing shoulders with Nibali and Valverde’ - Oliver Knight gets starstruck at Vuelta a Burgos
UAE Team Emirates rider makes big step up in key race before the Vuelta a España
-
Alejandro Valverde involved in hit and run incident during training in Spain
Movistar confirm rider suffered no fractures or other injuries
-
Alejandro Valverde: Second place at Flèche Wallonne 'is worth as much as a victory'
Spaniard finishes on podium for eight time in final time up Mur de Huy
-
Alejandro Valverde confirms he will stay with Movistar for 2022
The Spaniard enters his 18th year with the Spanish-based team, which could be his last
-
Five talking points from stage seven of the Vuelta a España 2021
Team DSM thrive again on a Grand Tour stage, Valverde is out, but Movistar still looking strong - don't miss these moments
