The fact that the Giro d'Italia will be starting off in Ireland next year is a boost for the economy in the North and on the route to Dublin. 

From Armagh, the peleton will make its way through Dundalk and Drogheda, before the finale in Dublin city centre.

It's also a proud moment for the likes of Nicolas Roche who will be pedaling on home soil for the first three stages.

Last night he spoke to Joe on Off The Ball about this opportunity to race in front of a home crowd and his 2013 season.

"There's only few chances in your lifetime to race in your hometown. It was the type of thing everybody was hoping would happen again. It's hard to believe and a lot of work has gone into making this possible. I'm really looking forward to it," said Roche.

Coincidentally, his first underage victory at the age of 14 was in Dundalk and as Joe put it, returning there for a Grand Tour is a bit "surreal".

"Funnily enough I don't have many photos of me from my underage career," said Roche. "But I do have a picture of me sprinting to cross the line that day. I will probably recognise the place when I cycle past it."

©INPHO/Shane Stokes