CYCLING:WITH HIS morale boosted by an important show of confidence in him by his Ag2r La Mondiale team, Irish road race champion Nicolas Roche rode aggressively in the finale of yesterday's third stage of the Tour de Suisse and netted ninth into Schwarzenburg.

The 25-year-old had earlier been told he was one of three riders selected early for the Tour de France, getting the nod despite being recently sidelined from racing for over a month due to injury.

He and Frenchmen John Gadret and Christophe Riblon are certain of their places in the Tour, while 12 others must wait to learn which six of them will get the remaining places.

Roche finished as part of a group sprinting for third place, three seconds behind the solo winner Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank).

He rode aggressively in the final uphill section, attacking with just over a kilometre remaining.

Schleck timed his move shortly afterwards, overtaking the Irish rider and continuing on to the win.

Having made his bid for victory a little too soon, Roche again went too early in the sprint for third, hitting the front with approximately 300 metres to go.

He was passed by several others in the group but nevertheless took a fine top-10 placing, showing that he is in strong form despite the lay-off.

He has continued his progression and has gone from 15th to 11th overall. He is 18 seconds behind the overall leader Tony Martin (HTC Columbia), who took over from day-one winner Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank).

Compatriot Philip Deignan finished over 10 minutes back and is clearly lacking a little strength after a recent bout of food poisoning.

He too is hoping to be selected for the Tour de France, but will have to pull out a big ride to earn a slot on the Cervélo Test Team squad.