The victim suffered a minor cut inside his lip and a sore shoulder but did not require medical attention.
Judge Thomas said the emotional injuries were more serious. Riding a bicycle was Mr Roca's personal and professional life.
She acknowledged Pene's show of remorse, which included writing a letter to the victim apologising and expressing shame.
He had a large number of previous convictions, two of them for violence, with the last one in 2009.
The judge said Pene had expressed interest in dealing with his anger management issues, which had arisen from his violent childhood.
However, despite his immediate and open acceptance of responsibility, the recent assault was "reprehensible.''
Lawyer Amanda Courtney said Pene made no excuse for his unpremeditated, spur of the moment assault on Mr Roca, although he claimed the two cyclists were riding beside each other, which sparked an initial verbal altercation.
``He, himself, was quite horrified about what he had done,'' Ms Courtney said.
Her client had written an apology and asked "humbly and from the bottom of his heart for forgiveness.''
The extensive media coverage had been an additional punishment and caused him difficulty gaining further employment.
"It was one punch (but) it was unacceptable,'' Ms Courtney said.
Pene later left the court building briskly, refusing to comment and holding one hand in front of his face in response to waiting media cameras.
