Team Sunweb has announced that Nicholas Roche has extended his contract with the team, with the Irishman set to ride in the team’s colours until the end of 2021.
Roche has had a great debut season with the team. After working strongly in support of teammates in the earlier part of the year, Roche finished in a tenth place overall at the Tour de Suisse before also picking up a top ten on stage nine at the Tour de France, after showing his determination in multiple breakaways throughout the three weeks.
His favourite race, the Vuelta a España, marked one of the best moments in his career when after a second place on stage two, he moved into the race leader’s jersey for the next three stages. His Vuelta abruptly ended after a crash forced him to abandon but that has only made Roche hungrier for success with the team in the coming years.
“I am extremely happy to be resigning for two years with the team,” explained Roche. “I have really found my place here and I enjoy the role that I played in the team this year. It’s been great to share my experience with the younger guys and support in the Grand Tours. The days in red at the Vuelta were really the highlight of my season and now with two more years confirmed with the team, I’m already really looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Team Sunweb coach Marc Reef added: “We’re really happy that Nicholas stays with the team for another two years. He’s one of the most experienced riders in the peloton, having ridden 22 Grand Tours throughout his career; experience that is invaluable in helping the young riders in the team. He rode two very good Grand Tours, including three days in the red leader’s jersey at the Vuelta, and he was a reliable team player in stage races throughout the year. His desire and motivation will also be incredibly helpful in helping to coach and guide the younger riders within the team over the coming years.”
In addition, the team also announced that Asbjørn Kragh Andersen has extended his contract with the team until the end of 2021.
