It’s like an episode of Matlock…except in Spain. A court hearing in Murcia was trying to get the ole pre-trial agreement in the attempted murder case involving Alejandro Valverde.
However, it ended without resolution, setting the stage for a possible trial. (Is there CourtTV in Spain? Asking for a friend.)
According to Diario AS, the proceedings at the Provincial Court of Murcia concluded with no deal between prosecutors and the defence.
The case centres on an incident in July 2022, when a driver, identified as a retired civil guard, allegedly hit Valverde and another rider after a confrontation while overtaking them on a road.
Intentional collision
In its provisional findings, the Public Prosecutor’s Office says the accused intentionally drove into the riders after the brouhaha. As a result, prosecutors are pursuing a combined sentence of “15 years and three months” in prison, citing two counts of attempted homicide along with reckless driving.
The collision left lasting consequences for both cyclists. Valverde, who now works as a coach for the Spanish national team, was bunged up for a month. His companion endured far more serious harm, with recovery stretching to more than a year.
The defence, however, strongly disputes the prosecution’s characterization of events. (Go figure.)
No intent to kill? What?
Lawyer Eduardo Romera argues there was no intent to kill, rejecting the attempted homicide charges outright. In comments reported by Diario AS, he maintained that, at most, the incident should be treated as a case of injuries rather than a deliberate act of violence.
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Romera said that discussions between both sides are expected to continue, suggesting a last-minute agreement could still be reached before the case proceeds further in court. Or probably, a settlement in cashola.
Still, it’s a harsh reminder of some of the road violence cyclists, even Tour de France winners face.
We’re all cyclists on the same roads.