Crowning achievement: How Stephen Roche completed his shock Triple Crown

Stephen Roche’s 1987 World Championship victory that completed the Triple Crown was a shock to many that knew him best

(Image credit: Watson)

Thirty years on from his victory in the 1987 World Championships, Stephen Roche still finds it hard to believe that he came out on top at the end of that wet September day in Villach, Austria.

Away in a break with four other riders, all quicker than him in a sprint, and with Irish team-mate Sean Kelly marked closely by defending champion Moreno Argentin in the group behind, Roche jumped from the back of the lead group just as they swung onto the drag up to the line.

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