Roche still on the up as big guns crash out

NICOLAS ROCHE moved upone place to 13th overall in this year’s Tour de France after he produced another superb ride on yesterday’s 208 kilometre ninth stage from Issoire to Saint-Flour.

The Ag2r La Mondiale rider finished in 17th place, four minutes and seven seconds behind stage winner Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) and he now trails the new leader of the race, Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) by three minutes and 45 seconds.

Roche last night tweeted his disappointment at losing time! to some of the main contenders like Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador on the approach to the line as he just tailed off the back. But that minor blip was the only real blot on his copybook after a terrific opening week.