Nicolas Roche with dad Stephen at the start of this year’s Tour de France
Nicolas Roche is set to leave his French team Ag2r, where he has been a protected rider on major races, and is likely to move to a bigger team where he would find himself in a support role more often.
The Irishman’s contract with his current employer ends this year and he has been in talks with a number of teams in recent months, with those negotiations apparently nearing a conclusion during the Tour de France.
Stickybottle understands while Roche has not put pen to paper and though talks are continuing with a number of parties, one of the teams that has made him an offer is Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, the team of Alberto Contador.
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Roche’s agent Andrew McQuaid confirmed a move away from Ag2r was in the offing.
“Negotiations are ongoing with several teams but a move is looking increasingly likely,” McQuaid told stickybottle.
However, he added that because the matter had not been fully concluded he was unable to comment any further.
Roche has been with Ag2r La Mondiale for four years and previously rode for Cofidis during a pro career that has now spanned eight years.
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The 28-year-old has built his season around the Tour de France over the past four years. He has enjoyed team leader status with Ag2r, a factor that has enabled him to solely focus on his major goal of getting into the top ten overall in the Tour.
His best finish in Paris to date has been this year’s 12th place.
If he were to move to Saxo Bank-Tinkoff under the management of Bjarne Riis, he would ride the Tour in support of Contador meaning he would need to set aside his GC ambitions in the race he has always focussed so much on.
However, he would very likely get the chance to target the overall classification in other races and may also enjoy protected rider status in some one day races.
His destination for next year will become known after August 1st, the opening of the official UCI window for making such announcements.
Roche has arrived in the Olympic Village in London and today said he was very much looking forward to Saturday’s road race.
“It’s great to be here competing in the Games and so close to home, we’re in a relaxed mood and hope this London weather continues. I’ve had a strong Tour with some ups and downs but I’m excited about the form I’ll bring into this race and anything could happen. The Tour (was) impeccable preparation and it’s nice to be back in the green jersey!”
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