Twins Martin and Peter Velits say ice hockey makes them better cyclists

ICE hockey is probably not regarded as the ideal off-season sport for elite road riders but twins Martin and Peter Velits say the rough and tumble game is an ideal getaway - and sharpens their cycling skills.

7/01/2016 Slovakian twins Martin Velits who rides for Etixx-Quickstep and brother Peter Velits who rides for BMC Racing Team will ride against each other in this years Tour Down Under.Pic Mark Brake

ICE hockey is probably not regarded as the ideal off-season sport for elite road cyclists but for fraternal twins Martin and Peter Velits the rough and tumble game is an ideal getaway.

Etixx-Quick Step’s Martin and BMC Racing’s Peter believe playing ice hockey can also help strengthen their road cycling techniques.

The pair got into cycling after their parents owned a bike shop in Slovakia but they were never pushed to get on the bike, said Martin.

“Dad was a cyclist in his time, and mum was a handball player. It was a sports family,’’ Martin, 30, said.

“We were doing a lot of other sports like ice hockey, soccer and cycling. But we wound up doing a lot of cycling,’’ added Peter, who took control of the conversation.

“We started cycling at 14 and we really liked the sport.

“We’d play ice hockey in the winter. It’s one of the most favourite sports in Slovakia.

“We played once before we came here, but we have a good group and it doesn’t get too physical like pushing each other. They all know that we cycle, so they are really careful not to hit us.”

The Velits twins are here at the Santos Tour Down Under for some serious business.

Peter, who won stage one of last year’s Vuelta a Espana, says his job is to protect his BMC Racing team-mate Rohan Dennis, who won the overall jersey in last year’s TDU, and new signing Richie Porte. The Australian pair are early hot favourites to claim overall honours.

Martin says his role with his Belgian team will be a little different after he ended last year’s TDU in 30th place overall.

“We know each other and we can see if one of us is looking good or bad (during the race),’’ Peter said. “It doesn’t really influence anything, we can only support each other.

“But it’s nice to have each other in this race.”

Originally published as Twins Martin and Peter Velits say ice hockey makes them better cyclists