Nicolas Roche injuries Vuelta crash: One of the most experienced riders in pro cycling, Nicolas Roche needs no lessons in how cruel the sport can be, but he was given one by La Vuelta today nonetheless.
Having returned to his Team Sunweb jersey for today's stage 6 after holding the race lead for three days, Roche crashed out of the event.
He was one of many victims in the fall with about 90km remaining on the stage.
And while he tried to struggle on, and get medical treatment on the go, he was soon forced to a halt.
He did not suffer any broken bones but a gash to his arm and bruising to his leg forced him off his bike and out of the race.
Now his team has released a statement by its doctor Camiel Aldershof confirming Roche's condition.
Advertisement
“Nico was involved in a big crash. First analysis showed no major injuries fortunately," he said.
"However he did require 10-12 stitches on his left forearm and has a bruised right quadricep which will be managed by a compression bandage.
Related News
"Nico will get further checks when he’s home to ensure there are no other issues."
Roche himself was very despondent after crashing out of the race when he was 5th overall and looked in the best shape he’s been in for a while.
“There’s not much to say. I think this is one of the biggest disappointments I’ve had in my career,” he commented.
“I’d worked so hard to get back to this level and it was a new opportunity to show that I was at this level again.
“There’s nothing broken which is the good point. I have some stitches in my forearm and pain in my quadriceps which is why I could not continue.”
Team Sunweb coach Luke Roberts added the team,
particularly Roche, had been very unlucky.
“It was quite a high speed all day today and unfortunately on one of the downhills there was quite a big crash involving almost all our riders.
“Nico had to abandon the race at that point and he was taken to hospital. It’s really bad luck to have lost Nico today.”
Topics
