Roche ready to help Contador to victory

Nicolas Roche is Ireland’s only rider in the Tour de France and the 30-year-old is predicting one of the best races in years.

Riding for Tinkoff-Saxo, Roche’s job for the three weeks will be to protect team-mate Alberto Contador, considered by many to the biggest threat to 2013 champion Chris Froome (Team Sky).

“Alberto is definitely ready, and he’s back to the best level he’s been at for a long time. Froome is also at a top level so it’s going to be an epic battle,” said Roche.