While Lemco Evenpoel was applauded for winning the Vuelta a España in Madrid for the first time, a Spaniard who has been an integral part of the competition for two decades also celebrated his final appearance.

Alejandro Valverde, 20 years older than Evenpoel, received many tributes in his 16th and final Vuelta before retiring at the end of the season.

The celebration of Valverde's last Vuelta began with a short ceremony at Las Rosas, the start of stage 21.

In addition, Valverde was given the honor of being in front of the peloton as the Vuelta peloton entered the Paseo de la Castellana central avenue on the final circuit, staying in front for several kilometers, smiling and waving to fans cheering on the local star. [Valverde and his Movistar teammates climbed onto the winner's podium to even more applause. [When Valverde stood on the podium, he was initially wearing a gold maillot to commemorate his 2009 Vuelta victory, when the Spanish Grand Tour leader's jersey was in that color.

Valverde then took off the garment to reveal the world champion jersey, named after his other big win of 2018. The jersey was then removed, with his Movistar standard team kit being the final layer, which was not removed underneath.

Valverde had a relatively low-key final Vuelta, despite the local media's hopes that he might be in contention for the overall or even a stage win.

He supported teammate and GC contender Enric Mas, who finished 13th overall. Valverde, however, received a very warm welcome from the locals, both at the start and at the finish, especially on stage 10 in his home town of Murcia.

"It's great," he said. And I'm very happy that people show their appreciation."

"It's very nice to see people showing their appreciation,"

"It's a great feeling.

"It means they like my sporting achievements and enjoy the way I get them as much as I do."

Although his involvement in the Operación Puerto anti-doping investigation and subsequent banishment remains a dark chapter in Valverde's career, his presence at the Vuelta has been almost constant over the last two decades, cultivating a strong following among Spanish fans.

Valverde's most recent stage win was second overall in 2019, after finishing third overall and winning three stages in his second participation in 2003.

Valverde has participated in 16 editions of the Vuelta, only one more than Inigo Cuesta in its history, and has won his only Grand Tour in 2009, seven podium finishes (1st, 2nd, 3rd in 2009), two 4th and 5th places, and 12 stage wins.

His worst overall finish was 13th this year. He has also won three points prizes, but strangely enough, no mountain prizes.

"Ninety percent of what I've learned has been thanks to Alejandro," said the team leader. "And I learned even more this year at the Vuelta when we roomed together. He is a professional from head to toe, and any young rider who wants to become a professional should spend a day with him.

According to AS, after the Vuelta, Valverde will not participate in the UCI Road World Championships, which he has positioned as the most important victory of his career, as Movistar continues to fight for UCI points and to avoid possible relegation. Instead, he will end his career on October 8 at Il Lombardia.