Following seventh place yesterday, Nicolas Roche showed more good form when he finished 16th on today’s tough mountain stage in the Tour de l’Ain.
The Irish Crédit Agricole rider crossed the line 5 minutes 52 seconds behind stage winner John Gadret (AG2r Prévoyance) on the 128 kilometre race.
He was pleased with his performance on the summit finish, as it illustrates his progression as a climber.
‘I was 16th on the mountain stage – my form is very good,’ said Roche.
‘Myself and the team leader had to ride a bit on the climb because the front group split in two; six went ahead while myself and the team leader were with 15 others. I rode to close the gap [for him] and then just went at my own speed.
‘I am feeling a bit disappointed as chasing the other day killed me [he rode for most of the first stage on the front as his team missed an important break]. Without that I think I could have done even better.’
Gadret now leads the general classification by 39 seconds from his team-mate Ludovic Turpin.
Roche’s exertions on the first day had cost him a lot of time then; he is now 32nd overall, 14 minutes and 2 seconds back. His good performance today saw him move up 41 places from 63rd in the general classification.
The 2.1 ranked race concludes tomorrow with a 118.6 kilometre stage from St Genis Pouilly to Lélex Monts Jura.
