Originally Posted by botto
Valverde isn't Basque. He's from Murcia.
Quick geo-political lesson for you.
Murcia is in the bottom right of Spain (see red dot). The Basque Country in in the top center of the Iberian peninsula - there are 3 provinces in what the Spanish government consider the Basque country. if you want to be historically correct, then include Navarra (green). Also, don't forget the 3 Basque provinces in France.
I hear you, but he rides for Euskatel, that whacky Basque team. And for a guy from NJ, Murcia is close enough to Basque country to make Valverde an honorary Basquerville. How much you want to bet those Basque fans think he's one of THEM : ).