Nicholas Roche

[sorbothegreek]

I see Nicolas Roche was back riding for Ireland at the World's there a few weeks back. Anyone know what was the story with him having declared for France last year and riding for Ireland again this? I know his reasons at the time but what allowed him to change back?

[Dodge]

He thought being a French national would help secure him a spot on a Pro Tour team. He was then advised that there are literally 100s of French riders and it didn't really matter. First I noticed was when he won a stage at the Tour de L'Avenir and he was down as Irish. He's signed a decent deal with Cofidis for next season so he should be riding in more of the big races.

In other news it looks like Scanlon is leaving AG2R and possibly leaving the european circuit totally. David O'Loughlin may be moving from navigators back into europe and apparently has an offer from a Pro tour team.