Sam Bennett will make his debut in the Vuelta a Espana today when the three-week race rolls down the start ramp in the seaside city of Torrevieja, south of Alicante.

Dan Martin (UAE Emirates) and Nicolas Roche (Sunweb) will fly the flag for Ireland on the Tour.

Dan Martin is closing in on Ireland’s best overall result at the Tour de France since his uncle Stephen Roche won the race 30 years ago — but he will not emulate him by claiming the yellow jersey.

James Gullen remains on course for the biggest win of his career as he leads the An Post Rás by over a minute entering the final two stages.