Roche & Martin Confirmed For Road Race

Both Nicolas Roche of AG2R and his cousin Daniel Martin of Garmin Transitions have confirmed their participation in the 2010 Irish Road Race Championships.

Last years champion Roche is currently on the comeback trail after tearing a hamstring in the Tour de Romandie. He seems to have benefited from the enforced rest as he is riding very well in the tour of Switzerland at the moment. He went on the attack in the stage finale and finished in the lead group today ahead of yellow jersey wearer Fabian Cancelara. He has been given the green light by his team for an other participation in the Tour de France following on his successful showing in the event last year where he finished in the top ten on numerous stages and 22nd overall. Roche will be one of the hot favourites for the title and will do everything in his power to bring the shamrock jersey of Irish Champion back to the Tour de France.

Daniel Martin is unlikely to participate in this years Tour as he is just after completing his first Giro d'Italia where he impressed with his climbing skills on the treacherously steep Monte Zoncolan & the Plan de Corones TT stage. Martin should carry some strong form from the giro but without any serious hills on the Sligo circuit he may end up playing second fiddle to his cousin Roche. That being said he is a former Irish Road race Champion and seasoned pro so should not be underestimated in the race for senior title.