CYCLING:IRISH DUO Nicolas Roche and Dan Martin finished the Tour de France in high overall positions, with the former in 12th overall, and the latter netting a solid 35th out of 153 finishers in his debut in the race.

Roche had hoped to finish in the top 10 overall but, after expending a lot of energy in going so close to a stage win on Friday, he was left a little short in Saturday’s time trial and finished back in 77th place.

German rider Andreas Klöden was consequently able to overtake him in the overall standings, bumping him down a place.

Martin had a chest infection during the Tour but recovered to ride well in the final week. While he was unable to achieve his goal of a stage win, he clocked up several strong performances and his solid 32nd in Saturday’s time trial moved him up to that 35th place overall. The 25-year-old climber believes he can finish top 10 next year.

Both riders showed good form in the Tour and are feeling ambitious heading towards the Olympic road race.