Although he’s finished seventh overall in the race in the past, and had hoped to get the chance to once again target a high finish in the Vuelta a Espana, Nicolas Roche could instead find himself helping a team-mate in the race.
Roche gave up his own chances in the Tour de France to ride for Alberto Contador, the 2007 and 2009 winner, who had hoped to take the yellow jersey to Paris but who instead finished fourth.
When Contador indicated he wouldn’t ride the Vuelta, that increased Roche’s chances of getting team leadership. However, his Saxo Tinkoff team-mate Roman Kreuziger has been named as the squad’s protected rider, with his fifth place in the Tour earning him the nod.
“Going into the Vuelta I see Roman as the natural leader of the team. He has had a fantastic season so far and still feels motivated and ready,” directeur sportif Tristan Hoffman said yesterday.
He added that Roche, the Polish rider Rafal Majka and the Dane Chris Anker Sorensen were also contenders for a top-10 overall finish. They too will be supported, but Kreuziger is deemed the captain at this point in time.The race starts in eight days.
Meanwhile An Post Grant Thornton Seán Kelly team rider Sam Bennett has said that he is determined to try to build on his strong performances last year in the Tour of Britain. He will be part of the line-up for this year’s race, which begins in 29 days’ time.
“With two fifth-place finishes last year it makes me want to aim higher and try to get a podium,” he said. “I’ll be targeting the bunch sprints and be aiming to have a go each day there is one.”
Bennett has had a solid season, winning two stages in the An Post Rás, but likely needs a big result in a race like the Tour of Britain if he is to attract the attention of a major pro team.
Meanwhile, current Irish national champion Mel Spath and former title holder winner Olivia Dillon are part of a strong Irish national team for the An Post Rás na mBan, which will be held in Mayo (September 11th-15th).
Also named in the team is Irish TT champion Caroline Ryan, as well as Anne Dalton and Mary Costelloe.
The race will include competitors from the USA, continental Europe and Britain.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday: Interprovincial Track League, Eamon Ceannt Stadium, Sundrive Road; All Ireland veterans/junior time trial championship, Omagh, starts noon.
Saturday/Sunday: Wexford Two-Day.
Sunday: Corkagh Park Women's Racing, starts 6pm; Black Rose Grand Prix, starts noon at Menlough community centre, Co Galway; All Ireland A3/Junior championships, Tattyreagh road, Omagh, starts 1 pm; Ulster Youth championships, Gweedore. First race at 11am.
