At 33 years of age, Nicolas Roche knows all too well that he's closer to the end of his career than the start, yet that hasn't dented his dream of a major result at the World Championships.
Despite successes through the years in stage races and in the one-day arena, Roche has never truly produced in an Irish jersey at the senior level.
His best result in the Worlds road race came in 2014 when he finished just outside the top-25 but his lack of results has not been for a want of trying. As is often the case, Roche arrives at the Worlds after a long season on the road with one or two Grand Tours in his legs. Time and time again he has had little support, too, leaving him or Daniel Martin to fend for themselves in most outings.
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In Bergen, however, Roche arrives with five teammates, and a burning desire to finally produce a result.
"I don't feel like I have to prove a point but I'd love to do well, just for personal satisfaction. I would love to one day deliver a big result in the Irish jersey. I won big races as a junior in the Irish jersey but that was around 15 years ago. I've never produced a major result but I'd hope to do it. I know the days are going by but I'd love to deliver at the Worlds," Roche tells Cyclingnews ahead of Sunday's race.
"Every year, whether it's Dan or me, either at the Olympics or Worlds, there's not been success. I've had plenty of placing around the 20s and 30s but that's not where we want to be. I feel like every time I've raced in an Irish jersey I've given my best but it's been slightly disappointing in a way."
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