Nicolas Roche is out of La Vuelta as the injuries he sustained during his stage 10 crash at the Tour de France have not cleared up.
The Irish rider suffered a very heavy fall, with lacerations that required stitches after the stage, but managed to get back on his bike and enjoyed a strong Tour later in the race.
However, the wrist injury the Team Sunweb rider sustained in that crash has impacted him in the period since the Tour de France and now in consultation with the medical staff on his team they have decided he will sit out the Vuelta.
Roche has taken two stage wins at La Vuelta during his career and has also led the race twice overall, including for three stages last year.
However, despite it being his favoured race of the year and his record in the event, he has been forced out for this year.
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His absence from his team's Vuelta line-up means Roche's season has now come to an end.
Team Sunweb goes into La Vuelta after a brilliant season that has included three Tour de France stage wins and victory at La Flèche Wallonne.
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Its team for the Vuelta is made up by Thymen Arensman, Mark Donovan, Max Kanter, Robert Power, Martin Salmon, Michael Storer, Jasha Sütterlin and Ilan van Wilder.
Team Sunweb coach Marc Reef said the team would take the same approach at the Vuelta as it did at
the Tour; taking it day by day and going for stage wins.
“With a young but very talented group we will not only be
on the hunt for results, but also equally look to our riders’ development,” he said.
“A Grand
Tour is the perfect environment to focus on the core processes of cooperation
for young guys and implement the various areas of expertise that the team has, with no pressure.
“For five
of our riders; Thymen, Mark, Max, Martin and Ilan, it will be their first Grand
Tour.
“Jasha
brings his Grand Tour experience whilst also making his debut at the Vuelta,
and we conclude our squad with Robert and Michael who were part of our successes in Spain last season.
“Motivations are high and we look to bring our great season to a close with some nice performances in the Vuelta."
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