Roche swaps Sky in favour of BMC

Paris - Irishman Nicolas Roche will leave Team Sky to join up with BMC for next season, the American outfit announced on Monday.

The 32-year-old, who has twice won stages on the Vuelta a Espana, will leave Sky after just two years with the British team that have won the Tour de France four times in the last five races.

"I'm super excited because BMC Racing Team is a team that rides with a lot of the characteristics that I like," Roche said in a statement.

"They're always up the front, riding with aggression and trying to make an exciting race. I think I'll enjoy the aggressive style of racing."