The toll of Thursday's crash continued to be felt as injuries prove too much for Tejay van Garderen, who abandoned the Vuelta with a fractured finger and other injuries.

A high-speed crash proved costly to the peloton as the Colombian star and the former race leader are sent packing home with injuries

In a race expected to be dominated by Colombians, the Irish pair of Roche and Bennett reminded everyone of the island's pedigree

Nicolas Roche is flying under the radar but he has plans to factor into the Giro's GC battle.

In a Vuelta that saw Sky lose GC leader Froome to a crash, Nicolas Roche shined in stage 18 with a much-needed stage win.

Nicholas Roche's father is one of seven to pull off the double. Though he rides for Team Sky, he admires his former teammate's ambition

The GC field at the Giro is filled with riders both young and old, such as 24-year-old Nairo Quintana (above) and 37-year-old Cadel Evans

The inclusion of Saxo-Tinkoff in the WorldTour means Alberto Contador can begin preparations for his assault on the 2013 Tour

Nicholas Roche is ninth, but concedes he struggled in the mountains. The Irish pro is looking to improve on his 2008 13th place at the Vuelta.

Nicholas Roche, hot off a solid 15th in the Tour de France, is aiming for a top-10 overall at the Vuelta