Having spent more than five hours on the saddle in scorching heat Nicolas Roche would appreciate a beer - but he is unlikely to invite along team mate John Gadret.
The AG2R La Mondiale team leader was left bitterly upset after Frenchman Gadret launched an attack in Monday's Tour de France 15th stage, just as the Irishman was struggling to get back into the pack after suffering a puncture.
Team manager Vincent Lavenu was forced to play peacekeeper on Tuesday after Roche wrote in his Irish Independent column: 'If John Gadret is found dead in his hotel room in the morning, I will probably be the primary suspect.'
Speaking to Reuters about Roche's comments, Gadret deadpanned: 'It's internal to the team. It's none of your business'.
Roche, now 18th in the overall standings two places ahead of Gadret, said their dispute had been resolved after Lavenu's intervention.
He said: 'I wasn't happy at all. I think we've settled things out. Today (Tuesday) was another day, he (Gadret) gave me a hand today.'
'Even if I hadn't said anything, I think anybody would have guessed my words. That's why managers are there, Vincent Lavenu played his role, he wasn't happy at all.'
The hatchet may be buried but Roche and Gadret are unlikely to share a beer in the near future.
Roche added: 'I'm not going to go for a pint with him yet.'
