Irish rider Sam Bennett moved a step closer to realising his dream of riding the Tour de France in July when his team were yesterday granted a wildcard invitation to the world’s biggest bike race.

Nicolas Roche has ended months of speculation on his future in the pro game, with confirmation yesterday he is to join Team Sky.

Ireland’s Sam Bennett followed up great results in Oman and Qatar in recent weeks with a stunning victory in Spain yesterday.

Brian Nugent scratches his head and tries to tot up the number of days he has spent abroad with Irish cyclists this year — but can only offer a very rough estimate. “A lot,” he eventually settles for.