Roche climbs to 14th in Spain

NICOLAS ROCHE (Ag2R La Mondiale) has moved up to 14th place in the overall general classification at the Vuelta A Espana after he finished a brilliant fifth place in yesterday’s 13th stage from Sarria to Ponferradaa in north-western Spain.

The Irish professional was part of the day’s large breakaway that managed to get away early in the stage, and managed to stay away over all of the day’s climbs, including the gruelling category one climb of Puerto de Ancares.

Roche is now just two minutes and 15 seconds behind race leader Bradley Wiggins of Team Sky.

Roche’s fellow professional Dan Martin (Garmin-Cervelo) crossed the line in 49th place as part of the peloton, one minute and 33 seconds behind stage winner Michael Albasini (HTC-Highroad). He now lies 23rd overall, four minutes and 44 seconds behind the race leader.

Today’s 14th stage is a 172-kilometre journey and is arguably one of the most decisive of this year’s race, featuring the summit finish atop the Farrapona.