Stephen Roche inducted into Giro Hall of Fame

Stephen Roche has been inducted into the Giro d'Italia Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the Giant's Causeway in Co Antrim.

Roche, who won the triple crown of Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and the world road race title in 1987, joined Eddy Merckx and Felice Gimondi in receiving the accolade.

The tribute came in the year Belfast hosts the Giro start, known as the Grande Partenza, with Dublin also on the route.

The 54-year-old said: “I am very honoured by this award because the Giro d’Italia always has a special place in my heart.

“The 1987 Giro was a big victory and it opened up that year’s streak of magic (Giro, Tour and Worlds).

“With the Giro d’Italia Grande Partenza in Ireland next May, it makes me even more proud of this great honour.”