Nicolas Roche has been forced to bow out of the Vuelta a Espana, after the Irishman was involved in a crash in today's sixth stage.
Roche had been leading the tour earlier this week, although he did lose the red jersey during yesterday's stage.
He was involved in the crash with two other riders this afternoon, and while he attempted to continue on, he was ultimately forced to retire.
Unfortunately as a result of that crash, @nicholasroche has been forced to abandon #LaVuelta19🇪🇸. Updates to follow as we have them. pic.twitter.com/poNiTK2y0i
— Team DSM (@TeamDSM) August 29, 2019
It is a bitter end for Roche, who had displayed some strong form over the opening week of the event. While it was still very early days, he was seen as one of the contenders for the event.
Irish hopes now lay on the shoulders of Sam Bennett, who won stage three earlier in the week.
