Nicolas Roche: The retirement interview

Nicolas Roche has brought the curtain down on his career (Image credit: SW Pix)

Had things gone perfectly to plan, Nicolas Roche would have won the Irish road race championship on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on his career in the best possible way. He loves visiting Ireland, relishes time spent training in the Wicklow mountains, and has always been passionate about riding the nationals. 

For a period on Sunday, things appeared to be on track for an emotional final victory. Finishing second to Ryan Mullen in Thursday’s time trial showed he was in good form, and when he went clear early on with fellow WorldTour rider Eddie Dunbar, it looked highly promising. The duo built a lead of close to a minute and were fully committed when Dunbar slipped and fell on a wet bend.