Team Sky's Nicolas Roche is to miss this year's Vuelta a Espana after being forced to withdraw through illness.

Roche, who has been on Olympic duty with Ireland, has developed a severe bacterial pneumonia which he contracted during his time in Rio. After speaking with Team Sky medical staff he will now miss the Vuelta in order to focus on his recovery.

Roche said: "Obviously it's a big disappointment. The Vuelta is a race I really enjoy and one where I have had success before.

"Riding the Vuelta was a big target for me this year and I was looking forward to being part of the team.

"The illness couldn't have come at a worse time, really, and after speaking to the medical staff it's pretty clear that I'm not going to be ready in time.

"I'll be focusing on my recovery and looking to get back racing as soon as I can".

Team Sky's squad for this year's Vuelta a Espana, which starts with a team time trial on August 20th, will be announced next week.