Monday 1 August 2016
Nicholas Roche has received a major boost ahead of competing for Ireland at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
The 32 year old is to join BMC Racing for the 2017 season, where he will team up with fellow Olympian Richie Porte of Team Australia and US cyclist Tejay van Garderen.
General Manager Jim Ochowicz made today’s announcement and gave a clear indication that Roche can look forward to more big race riding next year.
“A lot of our goals are centered around Grand Tours and we felt we needed an additional rider who could bring us experience in that field,” Ochowicz explained.
We are very excited to welcome @nicholasroche to @BMCProTeam in 2017! Read more here: https://t.co/JHCSEzjIt2 pic.twitter.com/jPzMzVLuZG
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) August 1, 2016
Roche missed out on the 2016 Tour De France with Team Sky and is the first Irish rider to join BMC Racing Team. He says it’s going to be a good fit.
“I’m super excited because BMC Racing Team is a team that rides with a lot of the characteristics that I like. They’re always up the front, riding with aggression and trying to make an exciting race. I think I’ll enjoy the aggressive style of racing,” the current Irish champion said.
The Men’s Road Race is one of the first events schedules at Rio 2016 and gets underway on Saturday August 6th at 13:30 Irish time. Roche will compete alongside his cousin Dan Martin, who finished ninth in this year’s Tour De France.
Click here for more information on the Rio 2016 Men’s Road Race event.
