Alejandro Valverde showed today that he is still on form approaching this years Tour de France by winning Spain's road national championship title. He recently won this years edition of the Dauphiné Libéré, often thought of as a proving ground for would be Tour contenders.
His win in Toledo just south of Madrid means the Caisse d'Epargne rider will now be donning his national jersey on the biggest stage in cycling next month. While riding in your country's colors is an honor for any tour rider, he'll be aiming to trade it in for solid yellow jersey to become the first Spanish rider since the great Miguel Indurain to take home a Tour victory without controversy.
Spaniard Oscar Pererio was awarded the 2006 Tour de France win by the Amaury Sport Organization after Floyd Landis tested positive for testosterone. The positive result came after his remarkable 120km solo breakaway during stage 17. A decision on the Landis case is expected tomorrow June 30th at 5:00PM Swiss time.