Nicolas Roche was forced to abandon the Vuelta a España following a crash during today’s sixth stage of the Vuelta a España. The Irishman, who held the Maillot Rojo leader’s jersey for three days, fell heavily at around the 100 kilometre mark on the stage from Mora de Rubielos to Ares del Maestrat.
He was taken to hospital in Castellón for treatment, which included a dozen stitches to his forearm and despite a lot of road rash, was cleared of any major injury. Further checks will be undertaken to check for further injury.
Nicolas Roche: “There’s not much to say. I think this is one of the biggest disappointments I’ve had in my career. 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 doctor Camiel Aldershof explained: “Nico was involved in a big crash. First analysis showed no major injuries fortunately. 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. Nico will get further checks when he’s home to ensure there are no other issues.”
