Alejandro Valverde celebrated his 40th birthday during a race hiatus due to a coronavirus outbreak. But now, with his form in question and his contract with Movistar ending in 2021, the former world champion has cast doubt on extending his time in the pro peloton.

"I have no goals other than to take it one day at a time and enjoy racing. For now, I have a contract until 2021 and ...... Then I'll think about it," Valverde said in a radio interview with Radio Gaceta de los Deportes. I was thinking of continuing for another year, but as of today I won't continue after 2021. I have to find a better feeling."

August 1 marks the start of the transfer season, with contract negotiations often taking place at the Tour de France. From Valverde's statements, it sounds as if he does not intend to extend his contract with Movistar until 2022, as he stated earlier this year.

"I am working with the idea of finishing this year, running the next year and then re-evaluating. That's what we have in mind. He feels he can contribute more to cycling. I'm hungry and motivated. I'm 40, but in my head I'm very young.

Tokyo remains his goal, and he plans to continue racing until the Olympics next July. The team's only victory was Marc Soler's at Challenge Mallorca. Valverde was not fast in the mountains and finished 12th in the Criterium du Dauphiné, about 8 minutes behind overall winner Dani Martinez (EF Pro Cycling).

Movistar's predicament was much the same as Team Ineos, whose defending Tour de France champion Egan Bernal has a back injury, and co-leaders Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas have not shown spectacular form.

Bernal, the Spanish champion, has his sights set on the Tour de France and Vuelta a España for 2020, where he will be aiming for a stage win at the Tour and fighting for the overall with co-leader Enric Mas.

"The Movistar team is looking forward to the race. The Movistar team is looking forward to the race," Valverde said.

Valverde's other goal, the UCI Road World Championships, is in jeopardy after local Swiss organizers pulled out of the race due to coronavirus restrictions.

A new outbreak of coronavirus continues to plague Europe and pose a silent threat this season.

"There is still much to be done for La Vuelta. As it is, we cannot plan more than two weeks ahead," Valverde said.