NICOLAS ROCHE will line out this weekend in two Swiss races, using the one-day events to further hone his form prior to Paris-Nice. He’ll join seven Ag2r La Mondiale team-mates in the Gran Premio dell’Insubria and GP di Lugano, tomorrow and Sunday.
Thus far in his career, the 24-year-old has tended to start hitting form in April or May. But this year is different, with his strong early-season condition boding well for a big year.
Last month he placed 13th in the Tour Down Under, then finished 20th in the Tour of the Mediterranean. The solid run continued with eighth on stage two of the Tour du Haut Var last Sunday.
“This is the first time I have shown early form,” he told The Irish Times this week. “My legs are okay, my condition is okay and my weight is getting better. I am feeling good and it is a nice sign for Paris-Nice, which is very important for me.”
The prestigious French event begins on Sunday week and runs for eight days.
Roche had a breakthrough performance last September when he finished 13th in the Tour of Spain. Although he’d long been regarded as a strong, aggressive rider, it was the first time he showed potential as a possible overall contender in three-week events.
He’s hoping to make his Tour de France debut in June, 22 years after his father, Stephen, won the event. He is almost certain to make the team selection if he can build on his early-season form.
Fellow Irish pro Philip Deignan is also due to line out in the GP di Lugano. The Cervélo Test Team rider has also been in good shape, placing 11th in the Tour de Langkawi this month.
The promising signs for Irish cycling are further boosted by Daniel Martin’s excellent season debut. He finished third overall in the Tour of the Mediterranean and will line out in the five-day Tour of Murcia, which begins Wednesday.
In other news, the domestic season gets fully under way this weekend with several good road races. The Annaclone GP is on tomorrow, while on Sunday there is the choice of the Cycleways Cup in Navan, the Lacey Cup in Tralee and the Phoenix GP in Antrim.
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday: Annaclone GP, Ulster, noon.
Sunday: Lacey Cup, Tralee, noon. Cycleways Cup, sign on at Navan Rugby Club, racing 12.30pm. Phoenix GP, Crumlin FC, 1pm.
