Dan Martin and Nicolas Roche to assess form in San Sebastián

Irish duo in final preparations for Rio Olympic games medals attempt

They've had a very different buildup towards the Olympic Games but first cousins Dan Martin and Nicolas Roche will both have a chance to test their form in this weekend's Clásica de San Sebastián.

Martin has spent much of this month competing in the Tour de France, netting stage placings of second, fourth and fifth en route to a career-best ninth overall in the race.

In fact, Martin could have taken a higher overall finish in Paris had he delayed his attacks, with a number of surges being hauled back by his rivals and causing him to lose time.

He finished just one minute 47 seconds behind the rider who placed fifth, Richie Porte.

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Providing he recovers well from the Tour, Martin is regarded as a major medal contender in Rio 2016. The course suits his characteristics, and he has already shown his ability as a one-day rider with victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia.

Roche wasn't selected for the Tour de France, having ridden the Giro d'Italia for Sky. He competed instead in the Tour of Poland, netting 36th overall. He will look to step things up on Saturday in the Clásica de San Sebastián.

The race is a favourite of both Roche and Martin. Roche was eighth in 2010 and fifth in 2013, while Martin took seventh place last year.

The race includes the Jaizkibel, Arkale and Murgil Bidea climbs, with the latter topping out only eight kilometres from the finish.

The men’s Olympic road race will take place on August 6th while the time trial is on August 10th.

Shannon McCurley is Ireland’s other qualifier for the Games. She will compete in the Keirin event, with the programme of track racing beginning on August 11th.

In other news An Post Chainreaction riders Connor McConvey and Damien Shaw will compete in the Prudential RideLondon – Surrey Classic race on Sunday. The 1.1-ranked race will feature a strong field of professional riders, and offers McConvey and Shaw a big platform.

At home, the Suir Valley Three Day will begin on Saturday.

Shane Stokes

Shane Stokes

Shane Stokes is a contributor to The Irish Times writing about cycling