Reigning Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins admits he had to rediscover his motivation after a glorious but gruelling 2012.

Team Sky’s Chris Froome wrapped up victory at the Tour of Oman ahead of Alberto Contador today.

Nicolas Roche was again best of the Irish on the toughest stage of the Tour of the Algarve yesterday, finishing 11th, 44 seconds behind stage winner Richie Porte (Team Sky).

IT’S NOT easy being Sam Bennett. Weeks like this, with the country’s showpiece cycling event starting tomorrow, sees a spike in interest for the sport and the number of private numbers flashing up on his phone.