Irishman Nicolas Roche has been diagnosed with a tear in his left hamstring that his AG2r team has said will temporarily sideline the talented young rider. Roche just completed the Tour of Romandie where he rode well, finishing third on the first stage and ninth in stage two.
He rode the time trial the following day, but missed the last two stages because due to the problems with his leg. Doctors have said he must now stay off the bike for at least three weeks to recover. The team said they will monitor his progress before deciding when he will return to competition.
Victory has eluded Roche so far this season, but he has ridden well, with near misses in Paris-Nice and the Volta ao Catalunya. He will look to recover in time to gain selection for the Tour de France so he can take another crack at a stage win. Last year he finished second and fourth in stages, and it seems that it will only be a matter of time before he breaks through.