Legends ride into town

Event ambassador Julian Dean at the launch of the Hawke's Bay Summer Cycling Carnival last year.

Julian Dean will never forget the sight of thousands of cycling fans lining the road, cheering him on as he was about to begin a time trial in his first Tour de France.

This is just one of the special snippets New Zealand's most successful professional cyclist will share with guests at the Legends of Cycling dinner on January 8.

He, along with Australia's triple winner of the Tour de France green jersey, Robbie McEwen, will be guest speakers at the dinner following the Elite Road National Cycling Championships and wrapping up the Hawke's Bay Summer Cycling Carnival.

A former Orica-Greenedge rider, McEwen raced in the Tour de France 12 times from 1992 to 2010 and had 12 stage wins. He retired from professional racing in 2012.

Dean was a race professional between 1999 and 2013 and at the peak of his career was considered the best lead-out rider in the world.

The pair will entertain guests with their experiences.

Dean, the event's ambassador, said the elite race had grown significantly since he took the title in 2007, the first of two consecutive wins.

"The prestige and value of winning the race, especially for the pro-riders in world tour teams or pro-continental teams is really high as they get to wear the national champion jersey, it's great for the team and the exposure of the athlete."

People expect to see the Belgian and French jersey but as New Zealand is not a big cycling nation it is a bit of a novelty, Dean said.

"When I was riding in it in 2007-2008 it certainly drew a lot of attention and it really means something to the New Zealand people when they're watching the Tour de France on TV."

Dean said there was a lot of talent in New Zealand cycling and said a strong line-up was expected for the elite race.

Cannondale-Drapac rider Jack Bauer would be one to watch, Dean said.

"He will be a big drawcard for sure with a lot of the other athletes looking towards him."

Tom Scully, who joins Cannondale-Drapac next year, raced well last year coming 2nd in the individual time trial and would again be on-form for the race.

George Bennett, who rode for Lotto NL-Jumbo in this year's Tour de France, was likely to be out of contention due to a recent bout of glandular fever.

His advice to those competing was to never think the race was over until they were over the line.

Dean said the Napier environment could be quite testing and with the hot strong winds the races could turn quite quickly.

"Just keep pushing to the end."

Dean said there was a "good vibe" around last year's race in Napier.

"It's a really great course, it's in the centre of the city.

"Across the board I think the festival was really good, it was engaging for a diverse range of people from children to elite-level athletes. I think the sense of engagement was the most positive aspect for me."

He was looking forward to again taking part in the commentary with John Bridges.

"It's great to be a part of."