TOUR DE FRANCE cyclist, Nicholas Roche, came to the Fels Point Hotel on Monday night as part of an event to raise funds for the Donal Walsh LiveLife foundation.
A crowd of around 250 cycling fans greeted the ‘Le Tour’ rider. It was a thrill for young fans in particular, who got a chance to meet one of their heroes.
A true pro, Nicholas was more than happy to sign autographs, take selfies and have a brief chat with the kids that congregated around him.
“It’s quite a long time since I’ve been around this part of Ireland, I haven’t been here since I was around 16. It’s great to be back down here,” said Nicholas.
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“Cycling is getting bigger in Ireland every year, during the tour I always see Irish flags on the side of the road and it’s always a great lift. But I know a lot of people who wish me well can’t be there, so these nights are a opportunity to meet those people who give me such support,” said Nicholas.
After the meet and greet with fans, Nicholas, spoke on stage in an interview with Radio Kerry’s Weeshie Fogarty. After that, the floor was opened to attendees to ask Nicholas about the sport and his life as an elite cyclist.
Roche, who is the son of former Tour de France winner, Stephen, has just signed up for one of the top teams in the world, Team Sky, the home of last year’s tour winner, Chris Froome.
Event organiser, Joe O’Shea, had these words to say about the visit from one of the world’s best riders.
“Nicholas is very impressed by how much Donal Walsh inspired people, we’re hoping to have a sportive someday and have Nicholas Roche be our main rider.”
“He’s a really down to earth guy, top riders don’t have much time when they are off, so the fact he came down here to help us out shows what a good guy he is,” said Joe.
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