Roche: Time is right to revive Tour of Ireland

Irish cycling legend Stephen Roche says that given the growth of the sport and the increased profile of the country’s top riders it’s time to revive the Tour of Ireland.

Roche, who won the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and World Championships back in 1987 said of all the races he ever rode, the Tour of Ireland — which was then known as the Nissan Classic — was one of the most special to him.

And he says there’s no reason why it cannot be revived after it was scrapped in 2009 on foot of the recession.