DAN MARTIN I S R A E L S TA RT- U P N AT I O N

The peloton is full of riders who have some kind of family heritage in the sport, but I have always questioned how much of it is to do with genetics. The nature vs nurture debate is an old one.

I can speak from experience - it has been said that I was destined for the top due to my family genealogy. I’m sure you all know that an uncle on my mother’s side is Stephen Roche, winner of the triple crown (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and World Championships) in 1987, a feat that I have no recollection of as I was one at the time. My father Neil was a pro in the UK in the 1980s and it was him that inspired my love of cycling. A number of sports scientists have told me before that the physical capacities we possess come from our mothers’ genetics, which would no doubt explain the likeness on a bike between myself and Stephen! My mother’s athletic ability is totally untapped and so we