Nicolas Roche took the best Irish stage placing for many years in one of cycling’s Grand Tours Monday when he sprinted home fifth on the third stage of the Vuelta a España in Córdoba.
The 24-year-old Crédit Agricole rider finished in the same time as stage winner Tom Boonen (Quick Step). Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) placed second and the time bonuses gained for this and his second place on two intermediate sprints saw him jump into the race lead.
The previous leader, yesterday’s victor Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne) did not contest the sprint finish. Bennati is now seven seconds clear of him in the general classification. Roche is 69th overall, 43 seconds back.
In placing fifth, Roche matched the stage result achieved by Ciarán Power on a stage of the 2000 Giro d’Italia. He was upbeat about the placing, and is determined to chase a stage victory. ‘My condition is great, I had great momentum and a super job from Gabriel Rasch in the final two kilometres. He worked really well for me, keeping me out of the wind and putting me on Boonen’s wheel with one kilometre to go.
‘It is awesome to be finally able to compete at this level and I’m trying to make the most of it. Going for a stage win at some point in the race is more possible than ever. I hope the Irish supporters are enjoying me competing – that’s important too.’
The race continues Tuesday with a 170.3 kilometre stage from Córdoba to Puertollano.
