After one of the most exciting seasons for Irish riders, especially when representing their nation, Nicolas Roche has kept the party going by winning gold in the Masters 40 men's race at the UCI Gravel World Championships in the Netherlands today.
Roche's win - after getting the verdict from the three-man front group - is the first time an Irishman has won a medal at any gravel Worlds. His victory comes 12 months after Marine Lenehan - now a stagiaire with Lidl Trek - won the women's amateur Worlds in Belgium.
The Worlds win for Roche comes just a week after the national road team won three medals - in the junior and U23 TTs and junior road race - at the Europeans, which followed Ben Healy's road race bronze medal at the Worlds in Rwanda.
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Roche (41), who has raced gravel - including many of the biggest events in the world - since retiring as a World Tour rider four years ago was not holding back in expressing his delight at scoring a victory at Worlds level. He is now looking at extending his season just so he can wear the world champion's jersey
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"I am so relieved that I can now say I have a World Championship added to my career," he said. "After breaking my hip in February, I wasn't sure if I would be capable of taking risks again.
"It took me six months to decide to race again, and not just create content. It's been a roller coaster journey this year. And, although I will not name anyone, everyone will recognise themselves.
"I want to thank those who motivated me in my personal life and to get fit again. It's 'only' Masters 40, but this means lots to me. Thanks everyone for the support. I can't wait to wear the jersey. So i might do an extra UCI Gravel World Series this year."
Gravel World Championships | Masters 40 Men
