Ireland face Verona race

Cycling Ireland are hoping for something special from their U23 squad - Nicolas Roche, Philip Deignan, Tim Cassidy, Paudie O’Brien and Andrew McQuaid - today as they tackle the World Road Race Championships in Verona Italy.

Deignan has been snapped up by Mark Scanlon’s Ag2r professional team for 2005/2006 and Nicolas Roche, 20-year-old son of 1987 Tour De France winner Stephen, has a two year contract with French pro team Cofidis.

Based on a hilly circuit in Verona, Italy, the U23 race gets underway today and will be live on Eurosport from 1.15pm.