Alejandro Valverde extends Movistar deal to 2017

Movistar have agreed a new three-year contract with Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde.

The 34-year-old, who has been with Movistar since 2011, has committed to his team until the 2017 season.

"I'm super happy," Valverde announced on Movistar's official website.

"This was just what we both wanted - Eusebio Unzue wanted me to stay, and I wanted to keep wearing these colours. At the end of the day, this is my home and we get on with each other well.

"I feel better than when I was 25; seasons seem shorter to me because I'm able to cope with pressure better. Being more mature makes you more calm and helps you see things differently."

Valverde finished third at the Vuelta a Espana and fourth at the Tour de France this season.