Nicolas Roche ’worried’ as Tour de France place in jeopardy
Roche even passed up the opportunity to ride this year’s national championships which start this evening in Omagh, just so he could be at his best for the Tour, which starts on Saturday week in Utrecht in the Netherlands.
The issue arose after the team released a statement on their website yesterday which named an 11-rider shortlist for the three-week race.
That will be cut to nine but neither Nicolas Roche or Philip Deignan, strongly hinted to be on the team, were included. Though Team Sky quickly pulled the statement from their site, it reached social media with many outlets relaying the news.
Roche said: “I hope that was a mistake. I have to say I am worried now. I just hope we are told soon.”
It would be a huge blow for both Irishmen who have performed superbly all season.
Roche was signed to help team leader Chris Froome in the mountains at the Tour and Deignan has proven himself one of the best climbers in the business.
Team Sky will most likely reveal their line-up on Monday.
Deignan, meanwhile, will be in action in Omagh this week as the Donegal star bids to become Irish champion in his native province of Ulster.
