Roche's Beijing stage win

Ireland’s Nicolas Roche of the AG2R-La Mondiale team won the 162km third stage of the Tour of Beijing, the hilliest in the race, as Germany’s Tony Martin held on to the overall lead.

Roche finished ahead of compatriot Philip Deignan, who had been one of his breakaway companions along with Britain’s Chris Froome, the recent runner-up in the Tour of Spain.

Ireland are hoping Roche does well here and Dan Martin likewise in Lombardy, in Italy shortly, to keep their UCI  ranking points within the top 15 team to secure 4 riders on the raod for London 2012.