This Vuelta A Espana has pushed Nicolas Roche to his limits, both physically and mentally. But the Irishman has come out of it with his reputation greatly enhanced.
By Brian Canty
Nicolas Roche will finish his sixth Vuelta A Espana in Madrid tomorrow in his lowest ever general classification placing in the Spanish Grand Tour but with one of the best results of his career added to his palmares.
He’s had to battle through a string of very trying situations and just when it looked like a result was beyond him, he went and pulled out a fantastic performance on Thursday to win the 19th stage.
Starting the race three weeks ago as a domestique for Chris Froome, Roche proved he was also worth supporting given his aggression and top condition.
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He was inside the top four overall until a bad day in Andorra on stage 11 saw him slip down the standings.
He had taken six top 10 placings to that point of the race; the best of which was his 3rd place on stage 2.
His slip on stage 11, to 22nd overall, came on the back of some bad crashes. And on that same day to Encamp Froome’s race ended, leaving Sky without a man to give full backing to.
Mikel Nieve was riding well and inside the top 10 but never looked like he’d really challenge the podium.
The plan for Team Sky changed when they sent men up the road to try and get a stage win, with Ian Boswell going very close on that stage in Andorra, taking third.
Roche was also given licence to roam and he grabbed third on stage 13 to Tarazona, where he was sprinting for second from the break as Nelson Oliviera (Lampre Merida) went clear 25 kilometres earlier.
Salvatore Puccio went close – taking second a day later for Team Sky - while Vasil Kiryienka put in a brave performance in the time-trial last Wednesday, but was only good enough for fourth.
Chances were slipping away for the team but Roche stepped in to save the day on Thursday, taking what he will definitely regard as one of his best ever wins.
Roche, like any rider, can only win in certain situations. He’s not going to win a time-trial or a bunch sprint.
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He’s not going to win a summit finish in the Alps but over the shorter, punchier climbs he’s proven himself among the best in the world on his day.
And on Thursday he mastered the 200-kilometre day from Roa to Riaza, saving his and Sky’s Vuelta.
Today, he was 47th on the penultimate stage; over eight and a half minutes down on stage winner Ruben Plaza (Lampre Merida).
He’ll ride into Madrid tomorrow 26th overall, 52:44 down on race winner Fabio Aru (Astana).
The Italian took back the seconds he needed on Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) today, with the latter dropping to sixth overall.
Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) jumped up to second in the general standings with Rafal Majka (Tinkoff-Saxo) in third. They’re 1:17 and 1:29 back ahead of tomorrow’s ceremonial ride into the Spanish capital.
Stage 20: San Lorenzo de El Escorial to Cercedilla (175.8km)
1. Ruben Plaza (Spa) Lampre-Merida
2. José Concalves (Por) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 1-07
3. Alessandro De Marchi (Ita) BMC Racing Team at 1-08
4. Romain Sicard (Fra) Europcar at 1-29
5. Amael Moinard (Fra) BMC Racing Team at 1-30
6. Carlos Verona (Spa) Etixx-QuickStep
7. Sergio Henao (Col) Team Sky at same time
8. Kenny Elissonde (Fra) FDJ at 1-35
9. Matteo Montaguti (Ita) Ag2r La Mondiale at 1-43
10. Moreno Moser (Ita) Cannondale-Garmin at 2-40
47. Nicolas Roche IRL (Team Sky) at 8.33
General Classification
1. Fabio Aru (Ita) Astana in 83-01-40
2. Joaquim Rodriguez (Spa) Katusha at 1-17
3. Rafal Majka (Pol) Tinkoff-Saxo at 1-29
4. Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar at 2-02
5. Esteban Chaves (Col) Orica-GreenEdge at 3-30
6. Tom Dumoulin (Ned) Giant-Alpecin at 3-46
7. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar at 7-10
8. Mikel Nieve (Spa) Team Sky at 7-26
9. Daniel Moreno (Spa) Katusha at 7-32
10. Louis Meintjes (RSA) MTN-Qhubeka at 10-46
26. Nicolas Roche IRL (Team Sky) at 52:44
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