Roche poised to sign professional deal

CYCLING: Following a highly promising 10th place in the 1.2-ranked Grand Prix Isbergues in France last weekend, Nicolas Roche looks set to sign a professional deal for 2005 and 2006.

Roche (20), son of the 1987 Tour de France winner, Stephen, has been on a pro trial with the Cofidis team and impressed team management greatly last Sunday. He was in a 17-man group that went clear after 30 kilometres and built a big lead. This group was whittled down on the run-in and, with six kilometres remaining, the young Irish amateur attacked alone. He was reeled in with 2½ kilometres left but posted the same time as winner Ludovic Capelle.

"'I was very tired when I was caught so I stayed at the back of the group," he said. "The finishing straight was a descent so unfortunately I could not overtake then as it was too fast.

"I took the award for the most combative rider. It's my best result so far."

Contrary to some media reports, Roche has still not signed a contract.

"It's pretty likely I will go with Cofidis but we haven't talked terms yet," he said yesterday. "I think it will happen next week at the world championships in Italy."

Roche will be part of a promising Irish team chasing a big result in the under-23 road race in Verona this day week. He will be joined on the team by Philip Deignan, Tim Cassidy, Paídi O'Brien and Andrew McQuaid.

There will be nine other Irish riders at the world championships, which begin on Monday. Colette Swift and Louise Moriarty line out in the elite women's road race, while Mary Brennan goes in the junior version.

National road-race champion David O'Loughlin and 2004 FBD Milk Rás winner David McCann are down to do the time trial and the road race.

The Grant Thornton Team Ireland squad is completed by four male juniors: Martin Monroe and Ciarán Kelly will compete in the time trial and will be joined by Maurice O'Brien and Mark Nestor in the road race.

FIXTURES

Sunday: Final round of CI XC NPS, White Spots Lead Mines, Somme Centre (near Newtownards). Starts noon. IVCA hill climb, Kilmacanogue. Starts 11 am.