Nicolas Roche has been appointed directeur of the Irish senior road programme but also says he is really looking forward to working with junior and U23 riders as they seek to develop into the elite ranks.
Roche comes to the job, after retiring from the sport at the end of the 2021 season, while his cousin Dan Martin also hung up his racing wheels last year. Their departures represent a big change for Irish cycling, which will now look to other riders to achieve results.
And now Roche is moving to the opposite side of the fence to try and get the best out of the senior riders, while also looking to advise and motivate the U23s and juniors.
With a flat course for the European Championships this year in Munich and a flat course for the Paris Olympics in 2024, Sam Bennett looks the most likely of our male or female riders to triumph on the road in a green jersey.
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And Roche said he was delighted to now be part of the Cycling Ireland high performance effort working towards this year’s Europeans in August and the Worlds, which take place in Wollongong, Australia.
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“Having recently retired from professional cycling I am delighted to be asked by Cycling Ireland to become part of the organisation in this manner,” Roche said as his appointment was announced today.
“I am very taken by the ambition and vision for cycling in Ireland and I really look forward to working with athletes and staff in preparation for upcoming international events.
“I benefited from support and guidance throughout my career, and I am looking forward to giving back to junior and U23 riders and hopefully helping to develop a pipeline of Irish talent.”
Matt McKerrow, Cycling Ireland’s chief executive, said securing Roche’s services for the year ahead was a really positive step for the national governing body and for the riders.
“As a modern governing body, it is only right to engage retired athletes in this way and assist in their career transitions – we’re really pleased to have Nicholas supporting the current crop – the likes of Sam Bennett; while at the same time continuing to inspire a younger generation of future cyclists,” said McKerrow.
"We have a number of further roles to fill in our High-Performance team and it’s very much our aspiration they will all bring the level of experience, knowledge and passion to the organisation that Nico does”.
