Roche will be competing in his sixth Commonwealth Games

Isle of Man cyclist Andy Roche said it was an honour to lead out the Manx team at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The experienced cyclist will be competing in his sixth Commonwealth Games and says it will be his last.

"I'm honoured to carry the flag in what will be my last Games; it's a great opportunity for my two boys to be able to watch me back home," he said.

Roche led out the 31-strong Manx team in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

He made his Games debut in Auckland in 1990 and has since competed in Victoria, Kuala Lumpur, Manchester and Melbourne.

With the likes of Mark Cavendish in the team we have a very realistic medal chance Andy Roche

"I've competed in five so far and I suppose you appreciate it that bit more when you know it is the last one," he said.

"I thought Melbourne would be my last, but we've got such a good group of guys now that I decided to do one more."

Despite brothers Peter and Tim Kennaugh pulling out of the games the cycling team is one the island's best chances of a medal in India.

Roche continued: "With the likes of Mark Cavendish in the team we have a very realistic medal chance."

The 38-year-old will be part of the road race team which hopes to guide Cavendish to victory as well as the 40k time trial.

"I think the team is strong enough to get Cav in a good position for a sprint and we all know he can do the business," he said.

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