Nicolas Roche is looking lean and feeling keen for the Giro d'Italia. The Team Sky man was only told he'd be racing six weeks ago but has gotten himself fighting fit in that time-frame (Picture: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
Ireland’s Nicolas Roche started his third Giro d’Italia yesterday afternoon and has told stickybottle though the plan for the team is “all about Mikel Landa” he could have chances to chase stage wins himself.
The two-time Vuelta A Espana stage winner comes into the race on the back of a strong showing at the Tour de Yorkshire last weekend where he took second on the final stage and finished second overall.
- Full list of Giro d’Italia prize money revealed; every last one
- Nicolas Roche best of Team Sky men in Giro opening TT
- Deignan marks Giro 2016 with underpants and tan lines photo!
Though he was only told six weeks ago he’d be doing the Giro he’s excited to get going and believes he’s in good enough condition to help Landa’s bid for the general classification.
Advertisement
“The Giro is the Grand Tour I’ve raced the least, mainly because the Tour and the Vuelta is where I go best," Roche told stickybottle.
“This year it wasn’t on my program until six weeks ago, as some riders initially selected had to be replaced and it was thought I’d fit the role.
“Also, I speak Italian (and Spanish) so my role is not only on the bike but also important for team communication.”
The Roches, from left to right: Stephen Roche with sons Alexis, Florian and Nicolas.
Related News
As regards his role on the bike these next three weeks he said: “It’s all about Landa and my role will be to support him.
“Hopefully the team will give me opportunities on some stages but that will depend on how the race is going and on team tactics.”
Prior to Yorkshire, Roche spent over two weeks training in Tenerife at altitude followed by another stint in Italy, so he reckons the climbs are where he could go well.
“I know some of the climbs, especially the last few in the French Alps and the Torino region.
"I’ve been working so hard to come back on the mountains that my time-trial work has suffered but I’ll catch up after the Giro.
“I’m in good shape and we’ve a strong team and we’re ready to race.”
Roche spoke to stickybottle just ahead of his ride in the 9.8km time trial that began the Giro in Dutch city of Apeldoorn on Friday.
In that test he finished 30 seconds off stage winner and first Maglia Rosa of the race Tom Dumoulin of Giant-Alpecin.
Roche was in 32nd place, the best of Team Sky's riders. The only other Irishman in the race Philip Deignan, also of Team Sky, was 107th and some 50 seconds down on Dumoulin.
Topics
