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Nicholas Roche remains third overall in Tour of Guangxi

Irishman heads into final stage of race looking confident for overall podium finish

Cyclists compete in the Tour of Guangxi cycling race in Beihai in China’s southern Guangxi region last week. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
Cyclists compete in the Tour of Guangxi cycling race in Beihai in China’s southern Guangxi region last week. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
Shane Stokes
Mon Oct 23 2017 - 21:50

Nicolas Roche held third place overall in the Tour of Guangxi on Monday's penultimate stage, crossing the line 17th in the bunch sprint into Guilin. First to the line was the Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen (Team LottoNl-Jumbo), who beat Fernando Gaviria Rendon (Quick-Step Floors) and Magnus Cort Nielsen (Orica-Scott) in a very close sprint.

Roche was close by and will head into Tuesday's final stage looking good for an overall podium finish. He is 11 seconds behind race leader Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) and five behind Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo). He is also second overall in the King of the Mountains competition, with BMC Racing teammate Daniel Oss moving ahead of him on Monday's stage thanks to a breakaway.

Nicholas Roche in action last year. Photograph: Bas Czerwinski
Nicholas Roche in action last year. Photograph: Bas Czerwinski
Shane Stokes

Shane Stokes

Shane Stokes is a contributor to The Irish Times writing about cycling